By North East Lincolnshire Council’s Trading Standards team have uncovered 35,000 illicit cigarettes from a Grimsby shop and vehicle.
Following a report from a member of the public, an inspection was carried out on 23 August by Trading Standards officers.
Six bin liners containing a large quantity of illicit cigarettes were found in the rear of the shop and the boot of a car, a number of which are suspected to be counterfeit.
In total, 35,000 cigarettes (1,750 packs) were seized under the Trade Marks Act 1994.
Investigations are ongoing to confirm whether the products are counterfeit.
Councillor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities, said: “This is a large stash of potential counterfeit goods and we’re pleased to be taking them off the streets.
“This is just the latest in a string of inspections by our Trading Standards officers to uncover this illegal trade in our borough.
“North East Lincolnshire doesn’t want or need illicit cigarettes or tobacco on our streets.
“We will pursue anyone involved in this industry and they risk being sentenced to a term of imprisonment by the court.”
If you have any information relating to the sale or distribution of illicit cigarettes and tobacco in North East Lincolnshire, contact Trading Standards on (01472) 326299 (option 3).
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