More than £140,000 of illicit tobacco seized in day of action in Preston

More than £140,000 worth of illegal tobacco has been taken off the streets following a coordinated day of action involving police and partner agencies in Preston.

Officers from Preston’s Neighbourhood Policing Team joined forces with ten partner organisations to carry out targeted enforcement and reassurance activity in the Plungington area last week.

The operation brought together colleagues from Preston City Council, Lancashire Trading Standards, Environmental Health and Immigration Enforcement, demonstrating a united approach to tackling crime, anti-social behaviour and concerns raised directly by local residents.

Throughout the day, officers carried out high‑visibility patrols, engaging with members of the community. Among the activity:

• Visits to 15 premises, including licensed venues, shops and businesses, to ensure legal compliance
• Alongside Lancashire Trading Standards, seized £140,000 worth of illicit tobacco
• Arrested two individuals on suspicion of immigration offences
• Engaged with members of the community, signing people up to out community messaging service In The Know.

PC Ruth Lloyd, Community Beat Manager for Plungington, said: “This day of action shows the real difference we can make when police and partner agencies work side by side with a shared purpose.

‘’By combining our powers, resources and local knowledge, we are able to target the issues that matter most to residents and take meaningful action to improve safety and quality of life in the area.”

Paul Noone, head of Lancashire County Council Trading Standards service, said: "We teamed up with Lancashire Constabulary to seize 7,200 packs of illicit cigarettes and tobacco from shops in Plungington, representing a £140,000 loss in trade for legitimate retailers.

‘’One of the seizures involved a sophisticated concealment that had to be broken open by officers.

“The number of cases we are dealing with shows just how lucrative the illegal tobacco trade is, with some unscrupulous retailers unwilling to comply with the law.

“The manufacture and sale of illegal tobacco harms legitimate businesses and our communities, and it is something we are determined to tackle.

"Concerned residents are advised to report all illicit tobacco sales and intelligence to the Citizens Advice Consumer helpline 03454 040506. Please also pass any information about illegal business practices or suspicious activity to police via 101 or online reporting."