10,000 cigarettes seized in Birkenhead shop

More than 10,000 cigarettes and 1.5kg of tobacco were seized during a raid on a Birkenhead shop.

Trading standards officers from Wirral Council targeted a Birkenhead shop in a joint raid with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) as part of an ongoing investigation into counterfeit tobacco.

John Malone, head of trading standards, said: “HMRC signed a protocol with councils to make sure those who sell smuggled or counterfeit tobacco are investigated and do not profit from their illegal activities.”

“I am pleased this agreement proved successful in such a short time.”

Any retailer who sells tobacco products without the required health warnings can face a £5,000 fine or imprisonment.

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