Haul of fake cigarettes is largest in county so far

More than 90,000 illicit cigarettes and 300 vapes have been seized from seven shops in Lincolnshire as part of a police and trading standards crackdown.

Lincolnshire Police described it as "the biggest retail haul" in the county to date, with more than 40,000 of the cigarettes found at one of the premises.

The goods were seized from shops in Boston, Spalding and Holbeach on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The haul included "super vapes", each of which contained nicotine equivalent to 375 average king size cigarettes, the force said.

It said the raids resulted in one arrest and intelligence being gathered in relation "to significant figures higher up the chain".

Insp Ian Cotton said: "Tackling issues related to illicit products and anti-social behaviour can be challenging, but it's clear that our efforts... are making a positive impact.

"Shops selling illicit and counterfeit goods can expect to be closed."

The raids were carried out in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council's trading standards team, which said closure orders would be sought for premises found to be selling illicit goods.

Trading standards officer Andy Wright said: "These premises exist solely for the purpose of selling illegal cigarettes and vapes. Without sales of these products, they would not be viable."

All the stores that were raided were in areas perceived as being at high-risk of crime, Mr Wright said.

"Clearly, the presence of businesses founded on crime and operated by criminals in these areas aggravates the situation," he added.

Last year, more than 670,000 illicit cigarettes, 17,000 illegal vapes and 370kg of illegal tobacco were confiscated in Lincolnshire – a 150% increase on 2023.

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