Illegal cigarettes found behind fake walls

Illegal vapes, untaxed cigarettes, nicotine pouches and tobacco have been found in eight shops, Kent Police says.

The illicit items were found behind fake walls and in other hideaways in the businesses in Gravesend.

Kent Police, Kent Trading Standards and Gravesham Borough Council's licencing department carried out raids on the properties on Monday.

"Officers seized 881 illegal vapes, 44,180 illicit cigarettes, 126 nicotine pouches and 8.65kg of tobacco [plus] 103 packets of shisha," a police spokesperson said.

Insp Kirsty Dunne said: "The results from this operation show the scale of the problem and the alleged lengths to which some people will go to avoid detection.

"The sale of illicit cigarettes and tobacco poses a serious health risk to consumers and also hinders law abiding businesses."

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