1,121 illegal cigarette packets seized in Felixstowe raids

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 07:01 · Archive

Trading standards officers seized 1,121 packets of illegal cigarettes and 119 pouches of hand-rolling tobacco from two shops in Felixstowe on 15 October. A sniffer dog named Milo helped uncover the tobacco, which had been hidden using 'sophisticated concealment methods'. The raids were part of Operation Machinize, a National Crime Agency-coordinated operation targeting money laundering and the criminal use of cash-intensive high street businesses.

The tobacco products are suspected to be illegally imported into the UK without duty being paid. They do not comply with legal packaging and labelling requirements, and several are believed to be counterfeits of popular brands. The seized items will now be examined to determine the exact offences and what further action will be taken.

Cases involving suspected breaches of track and trace rules will be referred to His Majesty's Revenue and Customs for investigation. A Felixstowe shopkeeper, who runs a gift shop on Hamilton Road and asked not to be named, expressed concern about the number of empty shops in the town centre and the 'gradual decline' of high streets.

1,121 illegal cigarette packets seized in Felixstowe raids — Image: East Anglian Daily Times

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How it is being reported

1,121 illegal cigarette packets seized as shopkeeper fears town declineA Felixstowe shopkeeper has spoken of her concern about the number of empty shops in the town centre following raids in the Suffolk town.East Anglian Daily Times · 26 Oct, 06:00
1,121 illegal cigarette packets seized as shopkeeper fears town declineA Felixstowe shopkeeper has spoken of her concern about the number of empty shops in the town centre following raids in the Suffolk town.Ipswich Star · 26 Oct, 06:00

In this story: Felixstowe · Suffolk · National Crime Agency · Suffolk Trading Standards · His Majesty's Revenue and Customs

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