Police Recover £145,000 Worth of Illicit Tobacco and Cigarettes

Law enforcement officials have confiscated what they describe as their “biggest haul” of illicit cigarettes and tobacco from a single retail establishment, with the goods carrying an estimated retail value of £145,000. These illegal items were found concealed within a storeroom at Evesham Grocers Limited, located on Port Street in Evesham, during an operation conducted on Tuesday. West Mercia Police collaborated with trading standards officers to locate these products, following the receipt of public complaints by the police force. Sgt Duncan Eades commented, stating, “Illegal tobacco products like these are often linked to serious and organised crime, so it’s important we continue our work to seize them before they go on sale and continue to fund potential criminal enterprises.” He further added, “We will not cease in our work with partners to act on community concerns and disrupt such operations in the future.“The public are our eyes and ears on the ground so if you think you suspect criminal activities near you please approach your Safer Neighbourhood Officer.” Additionally, a minor quantity of unauthorized vaping products was confiscated from the mini market. Authorities have indicated that no arrests have been made in connection with their ongoing investigation thus far.