Massive Haul of Illegal Cigarettes Seized in Milton Road Raids
On 6 October 2021, a major crackdown on illicit tobacco sales rocked Milton Road. Coordinated raids by police, HM Revenue and Customs, Gravesham Council, and the Home Office Immigration uncovered tens of thousands of smuggled cigarettes hidden in clever spots across three shops.
Hidden Stashes Uncovered Behind Vents and False Walls
- 18,000 cigarettes found tucked behind an air vent and under a bench in one store.
- A false bottom inside a fridge revealed even more illegal smokes at a second premises.
- A secret device triggered the opening of a hidden wall in a third shop, exposing further tobacco stashes.
In total, over 28,000 cigarettes and 137 pouches of tobacco were seized during the raids.
Ongoing War on Illicit Tobacco in Gravesham
This latest operation is the third wave targeting black-market tobacco in the area. Last month, officers confiscated over 21,000 cigarettes, 102 pouches of tobacco, mobile phones, vehicles, and cash connected to illegal sales.
Inspector James Beautridge, Gravesham Community Safety Unit, said: “The results from these days of action speak volumes. We’ve made significant seizures and gathered a wealth of intelligence.”
“The supply and sale of illicit cigarettes and tobacco is an ongoing issue nationwide. This illegal trade is often linked to organised crime and hits honest businesses hard.
“We worked closely with our partners to take swift, robust action. We’re now prepared to apply for closure orders on some of these businesses.”
The crackdown sends a clear message: the days of dodgy tobacco traders operating under the radar in Gravesham are numbered.
