Claims illegal tobacco hawked at Bitterne Precinct

Cooper tobaccodog 460 Pr suppliedThe council has pledged to investigate complaints alleging that illegal cigarettes are being touted in Bitterne Precinct.

Left: Cooper, a tobacco sniffer dog

 

 

 

 

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It follows a clampdown on shops in Shirley last week involving sniffer dogs and the seizure of £10,000 of illegal tobacco products.

Cllr Dave Shields, cabinet member for safer communities, said: "In addition to the illegal sales on Shirley Road, we are receiving an increasing number of complaints alleging that people are touting illegal cigarettes in Bitterne precinct. We will investigate these reports, take action if needed and seize any illegal tobacco."

Southampton City Council said that illegal cigarettes can cost as little as a third of the price of genuine product, but "by buying illegal tobacco customers are simply supporting criminals".

It added that many of the products are counterfeit, of poor quality and tax evaded.

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