Council seizes £10k of illegal tobacco in Shirley and Woolston actions

£43,000 worth of illicit tobacco products taken through enforcement actions so far this year

This week, Southampton City Council’s Trading Standards, with help from the Police and Cooper, the sniffer dog, seized £10,000 worth of illegal tobacco at three shops in Shirley and Woolston.

Some of the illegal tobacco was hidden within a stud wall, and, in Woolston, it was concealed within packs of children’s floor mats that had been hollowed out and bundled together. Watch Cooper sniffing these out. This seizure adds to £10,000 worth of illegal tobacco seized last month and the same in March, as well as £13,000 worth seized in February.

Cllr Steven Galton, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said:

"With police and community partners, we're determined to stop the flow of illegal tobacco locally. I am very pleased with the effectiveness of our regular illegal tobacco enforcement actions this year, taking more than £43,000 in illicit goods from these traders. Buying illegal tobacco not only puts your health at increased risk, but also harms our local communities by encouraging more criminal behaviour."

Cllr Ivan White, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, Southampton City Council, said:

"Help us reduce our local demand for illegal tobacco -- and all other kinds -- by quitting smoking today. There is advice and support available on quitting through certain neighbourhood pharmacies, just search 'stop smoking' on the council website for a list. Call them first to check how they are providing services during this time."

To complain about illegal tobacco traders anonymously, call the Stop Illegal Tobacco hotline on 0300 999 6 999 or visit Stop Illegal Tobacco.

Quitting smoking is the best single step you can take to improve your health and can reduce your risk from coronavirus (COVID-19), cancer and other diseases. Get free quitting tools and tips from the NHS.