Illegal cigarette hoard discovered at Pleck shop after police raid
Tobacco dogs assist police in uncovering illicit goods
Thousands of illegal cigarettes have been seized from several shops in the Pleck and Caldmore Green areas of Walsall as part of an enforcement action by police and Trading Standards.
A total of 23,000 cigarettes worth around £18,000 were taken from a shop in Wednesbury Road, Pleck.
In addition, 3,000 cigarettes valued at £2,000 were confiscated from a shop on Caldmore Green, with a further 100 illegal cigarettes found at a shop on Stafford Road.
The enforcement action took place on 15th May, with police and Trading Standards deploying specialist tobacco dogs to assist in the search.
Chief Inspector Lee Wiggan of Walsall Police highlighted the link between illegal cigarettes and organised crime, noting: “We work with our partners including Trading Standards to disrupt organised crime and to bring those involved in this criminality to justice.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Walsall Council expressed concerns about the impact of illicit tobacco on legitimate businesses and public health, stating that it "undermines legitimate businesses, poses risks to public health and is often linked to wider criminality and anti-social behaviour."
The public is urged to share any information related to illegal activity by contacting police through their website's live chat or calling 101, or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.