Illegal tobacco seized from Bensham shops
More than 19,000 illegal cigarettes, nearly 6kg of counterfeit tobacco and more than 400 illegal disposable e-cigarettes were seized from shops in Bensham last week.
With the assistance of a specially trained detection dog, our Trading Standards officers and Northumbria Police uncovered the haul at Ali Baba on Brinkburn Avenue, Kubus on Coatsworth Road and Bensham Euro Market on Saltwell Road. In total, the products are thought to be worth over £40,000.
The searches took place as part of Operation CeCe, a national Trading Standards initiative in partnership with HMRC to tackle illegal tobacco. Within its first year, the operation has removed 13 million illegal cigarettes, 4,300kg of hand rolling tobacco and almost 110kg of shisha products from sale. It continues to successfully disrupt this illicit trade, which harms local communities and affects honest businesses operating within the law.
Director of Public Health Alice Wiseman said: "In Gateshead, one person dies roughly every 17 hours from smoking. Tobacco is the only product which, when used exactly as intended, kills 2 in 3 people who use it long term and selling it illegally makes it more accessible for both adults and children. Cheap prices and the lack of regulation create and maintain addictions which will ultimately cost lives.
Buying illegal tobacco is not a harmless way to save money. Many people who buy these products don't realise that they could be funding serious international organised crime, like drug supply and even human trafficking. Taking these products off the streets not only protects our local communities, but could ultimately save lives across the world."
The searches marked another example of partnership working between the council and Northumbria Police through Operation Vienna, which was established to bring local authority and policing teams closer together to act on intelligence and tackle crime quickly and efficiently.
Inspector Kevin Ashurst, of Northumbria Police, said: "Thanks to the continued success of Operation Vienna we have been able to seize a substantial amount of suspected illegal items and take them out of circulation in Bensham. Proceeds generated from the sale of these items can often find their way into organised crime, which in turn funds more serious offences.
No-one should have to tolerate criminality in their area. We would encourage residents to work with us and ask that if you see anything suspicious in your community, please let us know. Your information could help us take action against criminals who are operating in your area."
If you suspect illegal tobacco is being sold in your area, all you need to do is visit the Keep It Out website (opens new window) or call 0300 999 0000. It's quick, easy and completely anonymous.
More than 19,000 illegal cigarettes, nearly 6kg of counterfeit tobacco and more than 400 illegal disposable e-cigarettes were seized from shops in Bensham last week.
With the assistance of a specially trained detection dog, our Trading Standards officers and Northumbria Police uncovered the haul at Ali Baba on Brinkburn Avenue, Kubus on Coatsworth Road and Bensham Euro Market on Saltwell Road. In total, the products are thought to be worth over £40,000.
The searches took place as part of Operation CeCe, a national Trading Standards initiative in partnership with HMRC to tackle illegal tobacco. Within its first year, the operation has removed 13 million illegal cigarettes, 4,300kg of hand rolling tobacco and almost 110kg of shisha products from sale. It continues to successfully disrupt this illicit trade, which harms local communities and affects honest businesses operating within the law.
Director of Public Health Alice Wiseman said: "In Gateshead, one person dies roughly every 17 hours from smoking. Tobacco is the only product which, when used exactly as intended, kills 2 in 3 people who use it long term and selling it illegally makes it more accessible for both adults and children. Cheap prices and the lack of regulation create and maintain addictions which will ultimately cost lives.
Buying illegal tobacco is not a harmless way to save money. Many people who buy these products don't realise that they could be funding serious international organised crime, like drug supply and even human trafficking. Taking these products off the streets not only protects our local communities, but could ultimately save lives across the world."
The searches marked another example of partnership working between the council and Northumbria Police through Operation Vienna, which was established to bring local authority and policing teams closer together to act on intelligence and tackle crime quickly and efficiently.
Inspector Kevin Ashurst, of Northumbria Police, said: "Thanks to the continued success of Operation Vienna we have been able to seize a substantial amount of suspected illegal items and take them out of circulation in Bensham. Proceeds generated from the sale of these items can often find their way into organised crime, which in turn funds more serious offences.
No-one should have to tolerate criminality in their area. We would encourage residents to work with us and ask that if you see anything suspicious in your community, please let us know. Your information could help us take action against criminals who are operating in your area."
If you suspect illegal tobacco is being sold in your area, all you need to do is visit the Keep It Out website (opens new window) or call 0300 999 0000. It's quick, easy and completely anonymous.
