Huge Haul of Illegal Cigarettes Seized in Ashford
More than 1,500 boxes of illicit cigarettes have been confiscated and two men arrested after residents tipped off police in Ashford. The bust happened on March 18 during a community engagement event in the town centre.
Residents Raise Alarm Over Suspicious Premises
Locals told officers about a premises where shady activity was going on. They said the front door was often left wide open, with strangers coming and going, and people climbing the back gate late at night. Police took the concerns seriously and swooped on the property, making enquiries on the spot.
Two Men Caught and Large Cash Sum Recovered
Inside the property, officers found one man who was arrested for possession of criminal property. Another tried to make a run for it, escaping through a first-floor window, but police quickly caught him and arrested him too. The raid revealed around £4,000 in cash and a mountain of illegal tobacco products.
In total, more than 1,500 boxes of smuggled cigarettes were seized.
Investigation Ongoing Amid Wider Tobacco Crackdown
One man has been released under investigation, while the other was freed without charge. kent.police.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="Kent Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Kent Police continue their inquiries into the case.
This operation runs alongside joint efforts with Trading Standards targeting illicit tobacco in Ashford Town Centre, already leading to more tobacco seizures from local shops.
