The Trading Standards operation has ramped up over the past year, as more seizures are being made across the country to disrupt the supply and trade of illicit tobacco products. Penalties totalling £3.5 million have also been issued to retailers and individuals involved in the sale of illicit tobacco since 2023, when stronger powers were introduced. Lord Bichard, chair, National Trading Standards, said: “Illicit tobacco is not a victimless crime. “We will continue to work with partners like trading standards to tackle this organised criminal trade that harms our communities. “We urge anyone with information about the smuggling, distribution or sale of illicit tobacco to report it online.”