In multi-agency action at both ends of the county, Trading Standards and police officers found shopkeepers going to elaborate lengths to hide the contraband, which in the end were no match for search dog Griff.
He sniffed out a fake hydraulic ceiling in one store in Dover. Meanwhile, highly potent and addictive crystal methamphetamine, a class A drug, was found during a search in a store in Snodland.
A 45-year-old man from Snodland has been remanded in custody and will appear at Maidstone Crown Court at the end of September charged with evading duty, selling goods with fake trademarks, possession of criminal property and possession with intent to supply crystal meth, which alone carries a maximum life sentence.
In total 180,000 illegal cigarettes and 5.35kg of illegal hand-rolling tobacco were discovered across the three days (28/29 August and 4 September). Inquiries are ongoing.
Jim Whiddett Operations Manager for Kent Trading Standards, said: “This is another really good result and another example of our united determination to tackle the supply of illegal product and criminal activity on Kent’s high streets.
“We work with partner agencies to ensure we can achieve the best outcomes when we conduct these types of enforcement visits and we very much appreciate support from our communities who are giving us the information we need as a crucial part of the process.
“It still surprises me when my officers tell me where hides have been found from false walls, fake shower units and now hydraulics in ceilings. The fact that the contraband is hidden to such a level shows that this is organised crime operating in our neighbourhoods. We will continue to work with our partners to tackle this illegal activity.”
Andy Blair, Youth Harm Reduction Officer for Kent Trading Standards, added: “The makeshift hides used to store illegal tobacco are getting more sophisticated and we need the support of the search dogs to identify where the tobacco is hidden. Even a hide in the ceiling does not faze them.”
Lord Michael Bichard, Chair, National Trading Standards, said: “The illicit tobacco trade is driven by organised criminal gangs and poses serious risks to local communities, especially young people. Since its launch in January 2021, Operation CeCe - a National Trading Standards’ initiative in partnership with HMRC - has removed 69 million illegal cigarettes, 19,750kg of hand-rolling tobacco and almost 175kg of shisha products from sale, helping to clamp down on this illicit trade and protect communities and honest businesses across the UK.”
Further information
If you have any concerns in your community, you can email the Kent Trading Standards team at vapes@kent.gov.uk
