UK city of Bolton cracks down on illegal tobacco; 23,500 non-compliant e-cigarettes seized

The city of Bolton in the UK has seized a large quantity of illegal tobacco and e-cigarettes, totaling two tons in weight.

According to a report from Manchester Evening News on October 15, illegal shops in Bolton have been found with a significant amount of tobacco and e-cigarettes, weighing up to two tons. During a raid, police seized over 2,000 packets of counterfeit cigarettes from shops in the city.

Officials from the trading standards department conducted the search after receiving local intelligence about the sale of counterfeit cigarettes. What is most concerning is that illegal products are being sold to school students and young people. In a recent round of searches, law enforcement and trading standards officials, aided by sniffer dogs, successfully discovered hidden cigarettes within the walls and refrigerators of two locations. These cigarettes have been temporarily confiscated pending further examination. 

The names of the businesses involved have not been disclosed due to an ongoing criminal investigation. Over the past five months, two tons of illegal items have been seized, including 23,500 non-compliant e-cigarettes revealed during a series of raids. 

Lynn Donkin, Bolton's Director of Public Health, stated:

“The harm caused by cigarettes to health is a fact; they are the leading cause of lung cancer and increase the risk of other types of cancer, as well as contributing to premature births, childhood asthma, heart disease, strokes, and dementia.” 

Sue Haworth, Director of Regulatory Services at Bolton Council, commented:

“Tackling illegal tobacco and e-cigarettes has always been a priority for the Town Hall, and this seizure is a result of the ongoing efforts of our trading standards officers.” 

She urged retailers to check their stock of tobacco and e-cigarettes to ensure compliance with legal regulations.

“Selling e-cigarette products to those under 18 is a criminal offense. Shop owners and sales staff are equally responsible for this.”