The latest test-purchasing operation commissioned by JTI UK found that a third (34%) of independent shops it visited in the Bristol East area sold illegal tobacco.
Of those stores, seven directed undercover officers off-site to access illicit products - including two retailers who used cars parked outside their shops, and one who supplied tobacco from a neighbouring flat.
These alternative locations showcase the lengths illegal traders are going to evade raids and avoid detection by enforcement agencies.
Previous test purchasing in the city had also found illegal tobacco products being sold in three of the complicit stores, suggesting enforcement efforts need to be bolstered to stop repeat offenders.
Counterfeit products
Among the illegal products bought were Amber Leaf 50g ranging from £5 (counterfeit product) to £23 (non UK duty paid product), Platinum Tobacco (sourced from Zambia) for £4.50 and Marlboro for £5.
New polling commissioned by the JTI’s It Costs More Than You Think campaign found 97% of residents surveyed in Bristol were concerned by the consequence of illegal tobacco trade funding organised crime, but only 29% believed the illegal trade is a serious issue that requires stricter enforcement - lower than the national average.
In addition, seven in ten residents surveyed didn’t believe it was their responsibility to act on illegal tobacco, and 78% didn’t believe their actions would make a difference when it comes to reducing illegal tobacco in their city.
Instead, three in four residents surveyed in Bristol believed politicians aren’t doing enough to prevent illegal tobacco trading.
“Enforcement efforts need to be heavily bolstered to combat these rogue traders.”
Dale Stacey, communications manager at JTI UK, said: “The lengths criminals are taking to hide from the law - such as storing illegal products in cars or even different properties - shows enforcement efforts need to be heavily bolstered to combat these rogue traders.
“Otherwise, illegal tobacco will continue to undermine honest businesses in Bristol and fuel organised crime in the community.
“The survey data also makes it clear that Bristolians don’t think it’s their responsibility to tackle this black market and are instead looking for more action from politicians. We’re urgently calling for stronger penalties and more effective enforcement mechanisms to ensure these repeat offenders are held accountable.”
Social issue
JTI is calling on the Government to treat illegal tobacco as a serious economic and social issue with three simple asks – to cancel the double taxation on tobacco, introduce a licensing scheme and increase penalties to fund enforcement.
David Johnston, former detective and senior police officer of the Metropolitan Police Service, added: “The test purchasing results from Bristol East indicate a shift in criminal tactics compared to other locations investigated as part of the It Costs More Than You Think Campaign.
“Not only are we seeing more stores keeping illegal products outside of their premises, with the aim of being more agile in the face of law enforcement, we’re also seeing them stock illicit products at higher price points, further driving profits for criminal organisations.
“This is a reminder that the black market will evolve its practices as more light is shone on illicit activity - and only reinforces the need for stronger laws and more powers for enforcement bodies to put a heavy foot down on this damaging trade.”
For more information on the campaign and JTI’s It Costs More Than You Think Policy Asks, click here.
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