Massive Tobacco Bust: 145,000 Illegal Cigarettes Nabbed in Chatham Raids
Shops Targeted in Major Crackdown
Kent Police, working with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and Medway Council, struck hard in Chatham on August 14, 2020. They raided four local businesses and seized around 145,000 illegal cigarettes. The raids followed court-approved warrants, giving officers access to secret hiding spots within the shops.
Hidden Cigarettes Found in Craziest Places
Officers uncovered thousands of smuggled cigarettes stashed in bizarre locations. A specialist sniffer dog sniffed out contraband hidden inside a fridge freezer behind a fake tiled wall inside a fully working shower. Others were found concealed above ceiling tiles and even inside parked vans.
The seized cigarettes had bypassed UK duty payments, prompting HMRC to take over the investigation.
Police and Council Ready to Shut Down Illicit Tobacco Trade
“Our activity caused significant disruption to well organised offenders who seek to profit at the taxpayer’s expense,” said Inspector Steve Bassett, Kent Police.
“This isn’t just a harmless crime. Organised crime groups bring these products into the country, and we won’t let them get away with it. Shopkeepers selling illegal tobacco undercut honest businesses and harm legitimate livelihoods.”
Inspector Bassett praised the teamwork involved: “We have a strong partnership with Medway Council, HMRC, and BWY Canine Specialist Search Dogs. Offenders go to extreme lengths to hide their goods, but we have the expertise to catch them.”
Cllr David Brake, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Adult Services, added: “This is fantastic news. Illegal tobacco is dangerous and sold cheaply, tempting children and young people to smoke. We will continue working with Kent Police to stamp out this trade.”
HMRC’s Tom Hunnisett stressed: “We won’t tolerate sale of illegal tobacco. Disrupting this trade protects public services and supports legitimate businesses.”
