Test purchasing carried out by JTI in Birmingham has revealed high levels off illegal tobacco products being sold, with nearly half of the stores visited found to be selling illicit goods.
Carried out in across Birmingham Ladywood, Hodge Hill and Solihull, illegal tobacco products included counterfeit Amber Leaf hand-rolling tobacco, with some 30g pouches being sold for as little as £4. The recommended retail price of a legal 30g pouch of Amber leaf is £27.95.
In the Home Secretary’s Birmingham Ladywood constituency, 17 of the 32 independent shops (53%) visited that sell tobacco, were found to be selling illegal tobacco products while in Hodge Hill & Solihull, 13 of the 35 independent shops selling tobacco visited (37%) were found to be doing so, with all illicit tobacco products being concealed behind or beneath the counter .
Illicit tobacco brands being sold included Minsk, sourced from Belarus, and Topgun, as well as Benson & Hedges. All evidence gathered from the test purchases will be handed to Trading Standards and HM Revenue & Customs.
Research carried out by JTI found that two-thirds (68%) of Birmingham residents surveyed are concerned about the impact of illegal tobacco on their area while Almost a quarter (23%) say they are very likely to contact their MP or councillor about the issue. On the negative side, 66% worry about the repercussions of reporting illegal sales.
Two-thirds of Birmingham residents surveyed also believe higher tobacco taxes drive people towards seeking out cheaper alternative tobacco and 65% of local smokers surveyed say they would consider buying illicit tobacco if duty rises continue.
HMRC data estimates that illicit tobacco costs the UK in excess of £2 billion in total tax losses each year. From 1 October 2026, smokers will face a double tobacco duty increase, with the usual annual RPI plus 2% tobacco uplift applied alongside a one-off additional rise on cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco, introduced with the new vaping products duty. Government figures show the one-off increase alone will add £1.21 to a pack of 20 cigarettes and £2.54 to a 30g pouch, which risks pushing more consumers towards the black market. Two-thirds (67%) of Birmingham residents surveyed believe raising prices and taxes on legal tobacco are pushing people in their local area towards criminal behaviour, such as buying illicit tobacco.
Commenting on the volume of illicit tobacco found in the area, communications manager at JTI UK, Dale Stacey, said: “Whilst HMRC has seen an increase in reports, many consumers are understandably worried about repercussions if they report these crimes in their area. There is a proven link between illegal tobacco and international organised crime groups.
“Illegal tobacco costs the UK over £2bn every year in lost tax revenue – meaning the consequences for the taxpayer are significant. Illegal tobacco also puts legitimate retailers at a serious disadvantage and takes footfall and profit away from law-abiding stores.”
Last year, JTI launched The It Costs More Than You Think campaign - https://www.itcostsmorethanyouthink.co.uk/ - which outlines the risks of selling illegal tobacco, alongside helpful tips on how to spot illegal tobacco products and report stores selling illegal goods.
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