Massive haul of contraband cigarettes and hardcore porn films seized in Gloucestershire

​Trading standards officers have smashed a massive contraband cigarette operation in Gloucestershire.

An arrest has been made and a large haul of cigarettes and counterfeit DVDS seized following a major operation involving Gloucestershire County Council’s Trading Standards.

Trading Standards officers worked closely with Gloucestershire Police, the UK Borders Agency and HM Revenue & Customs during the two-day operation, which was based on information gathered by Trading Standards and the police.

As a result of the operation, 1820 cigarettes, eight kilograms of hand rolling tobacco and more than 200 unclassified DVDs were seized from a property in Barton Street, Gloucester, including 40 featuring hardcore pornography that were not age rated. The UK Borders Agency made one arrest.

The cigarettes included some counterfeit brands but they were seized for unpaid duty by HMRC.

Head of Gloucestershire County Council’s Trading Standards Service, Eddie Coventry, said: “This was a very successful operation that has meant a large amount of contraband being taken off the streets, sending out a very clear message that this type of activity will not be tolerated in Gloucestershire.

“The intelligence gathered by our Trading Standards team was crucial to the operation. We are always pleased to work with colleagues in the police, HMRC and the UK Borders Agency to prevent illegal sales and stop criminals gaining a competitive advantage at the expense of genuine hard working businesses.”

Anyone with information regarding the supply of counterfeits can contact us through the website www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/glos or through Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
 
Cllr Will Windsor-Clive, Gloucestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “Congratulations to our Trading Standards service for yet another effective investigation and successful joint operation that will bring benefits to reputable businesses and consumers throughout the county.

“Our success relies on the information given to us by the public and our partners, so I would encourage people to continue to contact us with their concerns.”