By Shop keeper hid 15,000 illegal cigarettes in sneaky compartment
15,000 illegal cigarettes have been discovered after a shop keeper hid them in a sneaky compartment.
Humberside Police have said a large haul of around 15,000 illegal cigarettes have been uncovered with fears that they could have been sold at “pocket money prices” to children.
Subsequently, East Riding Council found the shop had breached its licensing conditions.
Lee Freeman, Humberside Police’s Chief Constable stated that two male shop assistants, and the stores licence holder, were working behind the counter when Trading Standards officers entered the property.
According to reports, the large stash of illicit tobacco was found in a compartment under the shop’s stairs.
Mr Freeman added a bag of onions was used to mask the smell of the cigarettes with hopes to deter sniffer dogs from identifying the haul.
It is understood that the majority of the cigarettes were of the 20 Richmond Blue Brand and were being sold for £4 a pack, compared to the £10.15 retail price.
“The cigarettes are duty evaded, therefore they can be sold at pocket money prices to children, illegal tobacco is not a victimless crime – the unscrupulous dealers who sell it will target children, who are attracted by its low price,” Mr Freeman said.
Upon further investigation of the discovery, some of the cigarettes were thought to be fake which posed an increased risk to health and safety.
The huge stash was located at a Dobre Bo Polskie store on Boothferry Road, in Goole on 23 March.
