Suspected illegal tobacco seized in Hereford and Leominster

West Mercia Police has seized a large quantity of suspected fake and non-duty paid tobacco after two warrants were carried out in Leominster and Hereford.

On Wednesday, officers were joined by a multi-agency task force made up of a team from Herefordshire Council Trading Standards, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and Home Office Immigration Enforcement to conduct warrants on premises in Eign Gate, Hereford and Drapers Lane, Leominster.

Assisted by a specialist trained tobacco sniffer dog, a large quantity of fake and non-duty paid tobacco and hand rolling tobacco was located and seized. The items are believed to have a value equivalent to around £15,000 worth of duty evasion.

A 28-year-old man, a 37-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman - all from Hereford - were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit trading standards offences. They have been released under investigation.

A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit trading standards offences. He was also further arrested on suspicion of being illegally in the UK. He has been passed onto the United Kingdom Border Agency.

The investigation is ongoing and enquiries continue.

Sergeant Duncan Reynolds said: "People who purchase counterfeit tobacco are putting their health at an additionally high risk as many other waste products are mixed with the tobacco prior to packaging it in order to maximise profit.

"Members of the public are advised not to purchase, pass on or smoke any cigarettes or tobacco that they have purchased at very cheap prices. If it seems too good to be true, then it most probably is.

"I would urge any members of the public who have purchased or been offered cheap purchases of cigarettes or tobacco in the Leominster and Hereford areas to call police on 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or get in touch with Trading Standards."