Lincolnshire Police Seize Largest Illegal Cigarette Haul on Record

Feb.21

Lincolnshire police seize over 90,000 illegal cigarettes and 300 e-cigarettes in joint operation with trading standards.

According to a report by BBC on February 21st, Lincolnshire Police, in collaboration with the Trading Standards Department, carried out a crackdown operation seizing over 90,000 illegal cigarettes and 300 e-cigarettes from seven stores. Lincolnshire Police described this as the "largest retail smuggling case" in the county to date.

The police revealed that among the goods seized in this operation was a "super e-cigarette" with a nicotine content equivalent to that of 375 regular cigarettes in each puff.

The team stated that they will seek closure orders for venues selling illegal goods. Trade standards official Andy Wright pointed out that these venues exist solely to sell illegal cigarettes and e-cigarette products. Once these products can no longer be sold, they will be unable to survive.

In 2024, Lincolnshire seized over 670,000 illegal cigarettes, 17,000 illegal e-cigarettes, and 370 kilograms of illegal tobacco, representing a 150% increase from 2023. (Related reading: 68 illegal tobacco shops closed in a county in the UK, with 17,000 e-cigarettes seized)

References:

[1] Haul of fake cigarettes is largest seized in Lincolnshire to date

Also Read:

[1] Police in UK Lincolnshire shut down 68 illegal tobacco shops

[2] UK Government Launches 10-Year Study on e-cigarette Effects on Children

[3] UK Wholesale Retailers Prepare for Disposable E-Cigarette Ban Compliance

[4] Mini-supermarket in Wrexham closed for illegal cigarette sales

[5] Illegal Sale of High Nicotine Pouches Raises Concern in UK

[6] Police seize illegal tobacco and e-cigarette products worth £14,000

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