Big Tobacco Crackdown in Medway
Kent Police teamed up with HM Revenue and Customs, Medway Council, the Home Office, and Kent Fire and Rescue Service for a major raid over two days on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 July 2021.
Sniffer Dogs Uncover Ciggy Haul
Specialist sniffer dogs, trained to detect tobacco, helped officers seize a staggering 12,140 cigarettes and nearly 10kg of rolling tobacco that hadn’t paid UK duty. The illicit stash was found in raids on multiple local shops in #Chatham and #Strood.
- Chatham targets: Express in Ordnance Street, Kany Shop in High Street, Supermart Xpress in Batchelor Street
- Strood targets: MJ Mini Market in Darnley Road, Euro Market in Cedar Road
Shops Forced to Shut
By Monday 19 July, closure notices were slapped on two Strood shops along with Kany Shop and Chatham Express in Chatham. These temporary shutdowns halted sales immediately while full closures hearings loom.
On 26 July, Folkestone Magistrates’ Court ordered Euro Market in Strood to remain closed for three months. Remaining shops face hearings on 28 and 30 July.
Police Promise Tough Action on Illicit Trade
“This latest operation is just another example as to how we are continuing to tackle the ongoing sale of illicit cigarettes and tobacco across Medway,” said Inspector Steve Bassett from Kent Police’s Medway Community Safety Unit.
“These illegal sales hurt legitimate businesses and can lead to anti-social behaviour and violence. We work closely with partner agencies to get results and will continue using all our powers to reduce crime and keep communities safe.”
