Police Smash Massive Tobacco and Cigarette Smuggling Ring in North Kent
£76,000 Worth of Smokes Seized in Two-Day Blitz
Between Monday 3 and Tuesday 4 April 2023, North Kent’s Community Safety Unit raided eight shops across the borough, confiscating a staggering 242,500 cigarettes and 1,516 pouches of tobacco. The haul is estimated to be worth a whopping £76,000 on the streets.
The operation saw officers team up with Gravesham Council, Kent Trading Standards, HMRC, and the Home Office Immigration Enforcement to tackle the illegal tobacco trade head-on.
Dogs Dig Out Hidden Tunnels and Secret Stashes
Specialist detection dogs Bran and Yoyo were on the scene, sniffing out concealed contraband. Bran, a working cocker spaniel, exposed tobacco hidden behind basement tiling. Officers uncovered a false panel that revealed a tunnel dug right through to the neighbouring shop’s basement.
Inside the tunnel, the biggest single seizure was uncovered — more than 148,000 illicit cigarettes and 1,315 pouches of tobacco.
In another shop, a chute behind a counter led officers to a flat on the second floor. Yoyo signalled tobacco hidden within, prompting forced entry. Officers found 58,900 illegal cigarettes and 135 pouches stashed behind magnetic concealments inside three false walls.
Police Vow To Crack Down on Tobacco Fraud
“The results from these two days shows just how prevalent this issue is, and the lengths some shop owners will go to hide these products and avoid detection,” said Inspector James Beautridge of North Kent’s Community Safety Unit.
“The sale of illicit cigarettes and tobacco poses serious health risks and damages law-abiding businesses. Regulations exist to keep tobacco products safe, free from unregulated ingredients.”
“Kent Police is determined to work with partners to stamp out illegal tobacco sales and hold offenders accountable. Operations like this are crucial.”
Illegal Vapes and Immigration Offences Also Targeted
The sting also nabbed illegal vaping products and handed out fines for immigration breaches.
Tano Grima, Assistant Director of South East Immigration Enforcement, added: “This is a great result and highlights the vital role Immigration Enforcement plays in tackling crime.
“Offenders not only break the law and defraud the public purse but are often vulnerable to exploitation as they lack the protections legal workers have.”
“We’re committed to safeguarding those at risk of modern slavery and proud to be part of this coordinated crackdown.”
