Massive Tobacco Raids Hit Kent
In a fierce crackdown, police and council teams smashed illegal tobacco operations across Thanet and Folkestone. Partnering with HMRC, Kent Police, Thanet District Council, and Folkestone & Hythe District Council, officers hit six shops as part of the nationwide Operation CeCe.
Hidden Stashes and Dodgy Meters Exposed
With support from specialist search dogs, officers uncovered illicit tobacco hidden behind clever secret compartments in five premises. The haul included a whopping 30,540 cigarettes, 14kg of hand-rolling tobacco, 247 shisha pots, and 79 illegal vapes.
But that wasn’t all. A dodgy electricity meter bypass was also found, plus possible immigration offences now under investigation.
Officials Vow to Stamp Out the Trade
Clive Phillips, Operations Manager at Kent County Council Trading Standards: “We’re using every tool to disrupt this illegal trade. It undermines honest businesses and fills criminal pockets. We’re committed to protecting Kent’s residents and businesses.”
He urged the public to report suspicious shops anonymously via 0300 999 6 999 or stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk, warning cheap illegal tobacco makes smoking easier for youth and those trying to quit.
PC Tristan Foster, Kent Police Thanet Community Policing Team: “Illicit tobacco isn’t victimless. Besides health risks, it funds organised crime — from terrorism to modern slavery. We will keep seizing goods and shutting down these operations.”
Cllr Stuart Peall, Folkestone & Hythe District Council: “This operation proves the importance of partnership work. Citizens spotting illegal trade should report it to Kent Police or Crimestoppers.”
Cllr George Kup, Thanet District Council: “These raids are a clear warning to businesses flouting the law. Illegal tobacco hurts honest shops, evades tax, feeds underage smoking, and supports crime networks. Thanks to our partners and the public for helping fight back.”
National Trading Standards Back the Blitz
Wendy Martin, Director of National Trading Standards, said: “Illegal tobacco damages communities and honest traders. In just one year, Operation CeCe removed 13 million illegal cigarettes, 4,300kg of hand-rolling tobacco, and nearly 110kg of shisha. We’ll keep hitting these criminals hard.”
