UK Illegal Tobacco Sales Rise by One-Third
Talking Retail, citing a recent KPMG study commissioned by Philip Morris International, reported that illegal tobacco consumption in the UK rose by more than one-third in 2021. As a result, the number of counterfeit cigarettes purchased in Britain exceede
According to a recent study commissioned by Philip Morris International and conducted by KPMG, illegal tobacco consumption in the UK increased by more than one-third in 2021.
As a result, the number of counterfeit cigarettes purchased in the UK has exceeded 3 billion for the first time since the study began 16 years ago.
“The KPMG report highlights how illegal tobacco and e-cigarettes have become increasingly prevalent in the UK, worsening over the past five years,” said Cem Uzundal, head of Philip Morris UK’s field force.
“Authorities, tobacco manufacturers, and even convenience retailers need to do real work to address this issue, and they can help by reporting stores selling illegal tobacco in their areas.”
“The KPMG report emphasizes what my team sees on the streets of the UK every month: illegal products—especially counterfeit ones—are widely available for sale,” said Will O'Reilly, former Chief Inspector of the Scottish Police, who regularly tests purchases of illegal products on behalf of Philip Morris.
“Organized crime groups seem to believe that the risk of being caught is well worth the approximately £1.5 million ($1.79 million) profit they make from each container of goods entering the UK.”
