Working alongside Kent County Council’s (KCC) Trading Standards team, Dover’s Community Safety Unit carried out a series of coordinated visits to businesses across the district on Friday 10 April 2026. Seven premises were inspected as part of the operation, which targeted the sale and supply of illicit cigarettes, tobacco and vapes.
During one visit to a business on London Road, Dover, officers discovered a purpose-built trap door beneath a desk, concealing a significant quantity of illegal tobacco products. The business owners, although they denied selling any illegal products, are now subject to an investigation by Trading Standards.
Officers discovered several similar hides located across the businesses that were visited, with hundreds of illegal products being seized and eventually destroyed.
“...wherever it's stashed, the devastating impacts of illegal tobacco is the same: it undercuts legitimate businesses, puts cash into criminals' pockets and makes harmful products easier for young people, and anyone trying to quit, to buy”
Jim Whiddett, Operations Manager for Kent Trading Standards, said: "From false walls to fake shower units, it never ceases to surprise me where officers find hides. But wherever it's stashed, the devastating impacts of illegal tobacco is the same: it undercuts legitimate businesses, puts cash into criminals' pockets and makes harmful products easier for young people, and anyone trying to quit, to buy.
"We will continue to work with partners like Kent Police to tackle this illegal activity. The public can also help by anonymously reporting shops selling illegal tobacco to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the Crimestoppers’ website."
Chief Inspector Liz Cokayne-Delves said: "The measures taken to conceal illegal products make it clear that those responsible are fully aware of the harm they cause. These goods are unregulated and often dangerous to consume. Kent Police will continue to work with partners such as Trading Standards to identify and disrupt businesses supplying illicit products."
“...enforcement and police officers are doing fantastic work ... protecting communities, people's health and lawful businesses”
KCC Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, Georgia Foster, said: "Well done to Kent Trading Standards and Kent Police for seeing through another successful operation to disrupt the harmful illegal tobacco trade in Kent.
"By combining forces, enforcement and police officers are doing fantastic work to tackle this illicit activity and, in the process, protecting communities, people's health and lawful businesses."
