West Sussex Trading Standards Raid Snags 6,000 Illegal Cigarettes
West Sussex County Council’s Trading Standards Team have cracked down hard, seizing over 6,000 illegal cigarettes from four shops in Worthing and Littlehampton. The haul also included 8.4kg of rolling tobacco and 64 pouches of shisha tobacco — all with a whopping street value of £8,500.
Dogs Sniff Out Tobacco in National Crackdown
The blitz was part of a nationwide campaign by National Trading Standards and HMRC targeting the illegal tobacco trade. Expert tobacco detection dogs from BWY Canine Ltd were instrumental in sniffing out the illicit stash at the premises and nearby vehicles.
Officials Urge Public to Report Illegal Tobacco Sellers
“The presence of illicit cigarettes and tobacco in West Sussex is shockingly widespread,” said Duncan Crow, Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue. “We urge anyone who suspects shops selling illegal tobacco products to report it to Trading Standards immediately.”
He added: “This issue isn’t just a law enforcement problem. Public Health officials warn that cheap, illegal tobacco makes it easier to start, continue, or relapse into smoking — damaging health across the county.”
Got a Smoking Problem? Help is at Hand This Stoptober
If you’re thinking of quitting, now’s the perfect moment. West Sussex offers free support through the 123.
Data source: Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, 2022.
