Bradford West has been exposed as a hotspot for illicit tobacco, with more than seven in ten independent tobacco retailers visited in the constituency found to be selling illegal tobacco.
Illegal tobacco products were bought from 34 of the 48 independent shops selling tobacco that were visited during a recent test purchasing operation commissioned by JTI’s It Costs More Than You Think Campaign.
During the operation, illegal products were found hidden under the counter, in backrooms and basements, and in more unusual locations including boxes placed on or inside fridges, nearby vehicles and neighbouring properties.
They included counterfeit Amber Leaf hand-rolling tobacco, with some products being sold for as little as £4.00 as opposed to the £27.95 recommended retail price of a legal 30g pouch of Amber Leaf. All evidence gathered from the test purchases will be handed to Trading Standards and HM Revenue & Customs.
Of those found to be selling illegal tobacco during the operation, 20 had previously been identified in past operations.
This coincides with a survey of Bradford residents on the issue which highlighted concerns over the sale of illicit tobacco.
The survey found 60% of Bradford residents surveyed are very concerned about the impact on local businesses struggling to compete with illegal sellers due to the illegal tobacco trade and that 76% of Bradford residents surveyed believe there is not enough enforcement to stop illegal tobacco sales, while 85% of Bradford West residents surveyed believe politicians are not doing enough.
More than half (51%) of Bradford residents surveyed believe illegal tobacco is a serious national issue tied to organised crime and public safety threats.
JTI also highlighted that from 1 October 2026, smokers will face a double 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, creating a sharp price rise that risks pushing more consumers towards the black market.
Of smokers surveyed in Bradford, 81% of Bradford residents surveyed agree that rising tobacco taxes will increase the demand for illegal alternatives and 47% say buying illegal tobacco makes them more likely to consider purchasing other illegal goods.
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