Millions of illicit cigarettes seized in UK crackdown

A significant enforcement action over the last twelve months has resulted in the confiscation of more than 33 million untaxed cigarettes from retail premises throughout the United Kingdom. In addition to the cigarettes, over 800 kilograms of hand-rolling tobacco were also taken. The combined estimated market value of these seized goods is approaching £24 million.

Operation CeCe Targets Criminal Networks

Read Next in Barnet Press3 min read

Islington Covid Positivity Rate Falls After Initial Spike

Council attributes initial high figures to low testing volumes, not a borough-wide surge.

These seizures are a direct outcome of Operation CeCe, a collaborative programme between National Trading Standards and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). This operation aims to disrupt the supply chains and sales channels for illegal tobacco products. Since new enforcement powers were implemented in 2023, penalties amounting to £3.5 million have been imposed on retailers and individuals participating in this illicit trade. The illegal tobacco market is largely controlled by organised criminal groups who frequently use legitimate-looking shops and vape stores on high streets to distribute their contraband.

Trading Standards has issued warnings that this illegal trade presents considerable risks to local communities, with particular concern for young people who may be drawn into nicotine addiction due to the availability of cheaper, unregulated, and easily accessible illegal tobacco products.

“Illicit tobacco is not a victimless crime. It makes cheap tobacco more accessible, particularly to young people, undermines honest local businesses and helps fund organised criminal networks that profit from exploiting communities.”

Lord Bichard, chairman of National Trading Standards

Related Borough Coverage4 min read

TfL under‑investment leaves commuters losing 830,000 hours in April‑May 2026

A £6.5 billion renewals backlog and spending below the required level have driven delays that affect Barnet residents and the wider capital

Lord Bichard stated that the latest results demonstrate Trading Standards' growing understanding of the illegal tobacco trade, enabling targeted enforcement actions. He added that those selling illicit tobacco should be aware that the likelihood of detection is increasing and that efforts will continue with partners to dismantle this criminal enterprise, safeguard consumers, and prosecute offenders.

Impact on Public Services and Health

Zoe Gascoyne, director at HMRC's Fraud Investigation Service, commented that illegal tobacco sales damage legitimate businesses, finance broader criminal activities, and negatively impact public health. She highlighted that this trade deprives essential public services of approximately £1.7 billion annually. Gascoyne affirmed that HMRC will persist in collaborating with partners like trading standards to combat this organised criminal trade that harms communities. She also noted that these criminal networks often target underage individuals. HMRC encourages anyone with information regarding the smuggling, distribution, or sale of illegal tobacco to report it via their online channels.