The sale of illegal tobacco is a big problem in Wales and here in Wrexham we’re supporting the Welsh Government’s campaign “No Ifs. No Butts” a new national crackdown to put a stop to it.
The illegal sale of tobacco puts cigarettes in the hands of children, as well as harming public health, local businesses, and can contribute to serious organised crime.
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The campaign aims to encourage people to step forward and allow Trading Standards to do what they do best and remove illegal tobacco from our communities and away from our children, family, and friends.
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No Ifs. No Butts – help drive this trade out of Wrexham
Roger Mapleson, Trading Standards and Licensing Lead, said, “Smoking seriously damages health and illegal tobacco traders don’t think twice about selling to children.
“If you know someone dealing in this product please report it using the link below and help drive this trade out of Wrexham.”
What is illegal tobacco?
Illegal tobacco takes all shapes and forms and refers to illegal cigarettes and rolling tobacco pouches. The most common forms are:
- Cheap genuine tobacco smuggled into the UK with no-duty paid (packages often display foreign languages and a lack of health warnings).
- Counterfeits or fakes, which look like well-known brands but are made illegally.
- ‘Cheap whites’, which are mass produced in one country and smuggled into another.
- Cigarettes sold individually instead of in packets.
The list is pretty big, but if you are unsure, please report it.
Illegal sellers use many methods to sell illegal tobacco. The most common avenues of selling are:
- shops
- private homes
- pubs and clubs
- social media
- car-boots
- on the street
A good indicator if tobacco is illegal, is the packaging. If packing is not in English, and if packaging is not plain green and has a lack of health warnings, this usually indicates that it is illegal. Also, cheap prices and unknown brands are also big giveaway.
You can report anyone selling illegal tobacco online anonymously here.
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