IT seems shop owners in Kidderminster didn't learn their lesson when a significant quantity of counterfeit tobacco was seized last month - after police returned this week and found even more illegal cigarettes stashed away.
Worcestershire Trading Standards and officers from Kidderminster Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs) revisited the same Kidderminster shops on Wednesday, April 7 and uncovered dozens more packets of illicit tobacco and cigarettes which the owners had attempted to hide.
A multi-agency task force, which also included Immigration and Hereford and Wocester Fire and Rescue Service, visited three shops and supermarkets in the Kidderminster town area on March 10 after receiving reports of counterfeit tobacco being sold.
At that time, a significant amount of tobacco was seized by Trading Standards, as well as an extendable baton which was found inside a vehicle - but it appears some of the shop owners didn't learn their lesson the first time around.
In a post on Twitter, Worcestershire Trading Standards said: "This morning our Trading Standards officers revisited the same Kidderminster shops we found illegal tobacco at on March 10, 2021 with Kidderminster SNTs. Look what we found! Neatly concealed, but we still found it."
Simon Wilkes, head of Regulatory Services, said:“Following intelligence received, officers visited a shop in Kidderminster concerning the potential supply of counterfeit and non-duty paid tobacco products.
"A quantity of cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco were found in a sophisticated hide.
"This visit follows on from other visits in recent weeks to shops in both Kidderminster and Worcester where significant quantities of product were seized.
"The investigation is ongoing with the view to taking formal action if appropriate.”
Anyone who wants to report the sale of illicit tobacco in Worcestershire can let Trading Standards know via the Report It page at worcestershirets.gov.uk or by telephoning 0808 223 1133.
Information can also be reported to police on 101, or anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.
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