By George Jenkins
Several shops and residential addresses in Pudsey were raided on Monday, 2 February, in an operation to seize illicit tobacco.
In total, nine premises across both Pudsey and Huddersfield were targeted. More than one million cigarettes were seized, as well as 50kg of rolling tobacco and cash.Â
The operation was undertaken by the Leeds West Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), Huddersfield NPT, HMRC, and the Leeds Anti-Social Behaviour Team along with Trading Standards to prevent organised crime groups from undercutting local businesses.
Following the raids, the Police, HMRC, and Trading Standards are now looking to prosecute those responsible.
Linda Davis, Head of Trading Standards (Protecting Communities) said: “I would like to thank all the partners involved and members of the public for reporting illegal sales and encourage everyone to continue doing so to reduce the harm caused by tobacco in our communities.
“This is far from being a victimless crime – the illegal trade in tobacco costs the government billions each year in lost revenue, makes it easier for children to start smoking, takes advantage of cash-strapped families, and helps fund organised crime.”
- West Yorkshire Police are intelligence-led and need information from members of the public to tackle criminality. Please send information via 101, online reporting or Crimestoppers (0800 555 111).
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