Lancashire Police seize illicit cigarettes in shop raids across county

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 11:38 · Archive

Lancashire Police have seized thousands of pounds worth of illicit cigarettes and counterfeit goods from shops across the county.

Lancashire Police have seized illicit cigarettes, tobacco and counterfeit goods in a crackdown on illegal products sold across the county. The operation, supported by HMRC, visited 30 premises including shops, barbers and takeaways in areas including Blackburn, Pendle, Blackpool and Morecambe.

In total, officers seized 835 packets of illicit cigarettes, 109 packets of hormone replacement therapy, 35 counterfeit phone cases, seven counterfeit Labubu dolls and 20 counterfeit fidget toys. Some illegal items were hidden in compartments and discovered by tobacco detection dogs, with other items located through community intelligence. Parkinson Convenience Store in Blackburn was issued a cease-and-desist order after 1,537 illicit cigarettes and 600g of tobacco worth around £2,000 were found; HMRC issued a £2,500 fine to the business.

Closure notices were issued to several businesses, with further closure orders being sought. Officers also conducted test purchases at shops, with two failing. A warrant executed at Marsden Mini Market in Blackpool recovered 430 packets of illicit cigarettes, including packets thrown from a window and others found in a vehicle.

How it is being reported

• Illegal cigarettes and Labubu dolls seized in police raids on shops in Preston, Leyland and ChorleyThe operation, which was supported by HMRC, saw officers visit 30 premises across LancashireChorley Guardian · 20 Oct, 11:24
• Police raids discover hidden compartments stashed with illegal tobaccoAmong those visited were eight shops, two barber shops and one takeaway in Blackburn and Pendle.Lancashire Telegraph · 20 Oct, 11:22
• Shops forced to close across Lancashire as police crackdown on illicit cigarettes and counterfeit itemsOfficers have visited shops across Lancashire to crackdown on the sale of illegal productsLancsLive · 20 Oct, 11:09

In this story: Lancashire Police · HMRC · Blackburn · Blackpool · Pendle · Morecambe

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