Massive Tobacco Bust in North Kent Sees £76k Haul Seized
In a two-day blitz across North Kent from April 3-4, police swooped on eight local shops, confiscating a staggering 242,500 illegal cigarettes and 1,516 pouches of tobacco. The haul is estimated to be worth a whopping £76,000 on the streets.
Team Effort Nails Biggest Single Tobacco Stash
The crackdown was a joint effort, with North Kent’s Community Safety Unit teaming up with Gravesham Council, Kent Trading Standards, HMRC, and the Home Office Immigration Enforcement squad. Specialist detection dogs Bran and Yoyo played a crucial role, sniffing out hidden tobacco caches.
Bran pinpointed a secret stash behind basement tiling, revealing a tunnel dug between two shops. Inside, officers uncovered more than 148,000 cigarettes and 1,315 tobacco pouches — the largest single seizure to date.
Meanwhile, Yoyo tracked illegal goods up a chute to a flat above another shop. Police forced entry to find 58,900 cigarettes and 135 tobacco pouches concealed behind magnetic false walls.
Police Warn of Health Risks and Tough Stance on Illicit Trade
Inspector James Beautridge of North Kent’s Community Safety Unit said: “This operation reveals just how far some shop owners will go to hide illegal tobacco. The sale of these products poses serious health risks and undermines lawful businesses.”
“Kent Police is committed to working with partners to stamp out illegal tobacco sales and hold offenders accountable. These operations are vital.”
Illegal vapes were also seized, and immigration fines issued during the raid.
Immigration Enforcement Highlights Wider Crime Concerns
Tano Grima, Assistant Director of South East Immigration Enforcement, added: “This success highlights the crucial role Immigration Enforcement plays in fighting crime. Offenders not only cheat the public but often exploit vulnerable people lacking legal protections.”
“We’re committed to safeguarding those at risk of modern slavery and proud to support this coordinated effort.”
