Massive Tobacco Bust in Gravesham: 28,000 Illegal Cigarettes Seized
Law enforcement cracked down hard on illicit tobacco in Gravesham, uncovering a stash of more than 28,000 illegal cigarettes and 137 pouches of tobacco during raids on 6 October 2021.
Hidden Cigarettes Found Behind Air Vents and False Walls
Three shops on Milton Road were targeted. Officers discovered 18,000 cigarettes hidden behind an air vent and tucked under a bench in one store. At another, a secret false bottom inside a fridge revealed even more smuggled goods. The third shop stunned police with a device that triggered a false wall, exposing yet more illegal tobacco.
Operation Targets Organised Crime Behind Illicit Sales
This marks the third major police sweep tackling illegal tobacco sales in Gravesham in recent weeks. Last month, officers seized over 21,000 cigarettes, 102 tobacco pouches, plus mobile phones, vehicles, and cash linked to the trade.
Inspector James Beautridge, Gravesham Community Safety Unit, said: “The results from these days of action speak volumes as we have been able to make significant seizures as well as gather a vast amount of intelligence.
“The supply and sale of illicit cigarettes and tobacco is an ongoing issue for towns across the country. It is an illegal trade which we know is often associated with the activities of organised criminal groups.
“Law-abiding businesses operating in these areas are also negatively affected by this type of crime. We worked with our partners to take swift and robust action and are now in a position to apply for closure orders in connection to some of the businesses.”
