Concluding on Friday 23 January 2026, the activity focused on ensuring that local businesses were operating legally and compliant with trading regulations.
Officers worked to target locations where suspicions had previously been raised.
On Tuesday 20 January, neighbourhood patrols in Newingreen were alerted to a suspicious van on the A20 and signalled for the vehicle to stop.
A police search led to the recovery of around 100kg of tobacco, suspected to have been brought to the country illegally, which was later seized by Trading Standards. Cash in the region of £30,000 was also recovered.
In the same week, a number of businesses in Hythe High Street were attended, after concerns were raised around trading practices.
Enquiries at one premises led to the discovery of a hide underneath a countertop, suspected to be used for storing counterfeit tobacco products.
Immigration Enforcement officers were also present on the day to carry out enquiries.
Illegal cigarettes out of sight in an under-the-counter cupboard
Carlo Capozzi, Community Safety Unit Inspector for Folkestone and Hythe, said: ‘Organised criminal groups can often use the proceeds from the illegal trading of tobacco products to fund other criminal activities.
‘My officers have excellent local knowledge and work closely within the communities that they patrol. As a result, we are able to gather the necessary information so that, together with partner agencies, we can target those who would engage in illicit practices such as this, and ensure offenders are dealt with robustly.’
Jim Whiddett, Operations Manager for Kent Trading Standards, said: ‘We are determined to crack down on the illegal supply of tobacco on Kent’s high streets and working with partners like Kent Police is an effective way to tackle the issue.
‘The sale of illicit tobacco undercuts legitimate businesses doing the right thing and puts money into the pockets of organised criminals. The cheap price of Illegal tobacco also makes smoking more affordable for those attempting to quit and accessible to young people."
‘The public can also help remove this crime from our high streets by anonymously reporting shops selling illegal tobacco to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the Crimestoppers’ website.’
