Thousands of fake cigarettes seized from Oxfordshire shop

Trading Standards officers raided the shop on the evening of Friday, May 1 following police action at the same locations earlier in the year.

Earlier that same day, the director of one of the companies linked to the premises had been interviewed under caution.

Despite this, when officers returned, they found more illicit tobacco hidden, Oxfordshire County Council said.

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In total, 5,900 counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes and 950 grams of hand rolling tobacco were confiscated.

Oxfordshire County Council said the business cannot be named while the ongoing criminal investigation is ongoing.

The latest seizure follows raids in March, when officers found more than 13,000 illicit cigarettes, almost nine kilograms of illegal tobacco products, nicotine pouches and single use vapes at seven locations across Cowley and Headington.

The two premises in question were revisited after evidence suggested the illegal activity was continuing.

Investigations are ongoing. The businesses could face criminal prosecution, financial penalties and licence reviews.

Davina Walkin, Trading Standards operations manager, said: “Despite previous enforcement action and clear warnings, some businesses are still willing to take the risk.

“These latest seizures show we are even more determined to act whenever and wherever necessary, including late at night and over bank holiday weekends, to protect our communities.”

Councillor Jenny Hannaby (Image: Newsquest)

Jenny Hannaby, cabinet member for community safety, added: “We hear people’s concerns about the changing face of their high streets and the rise of shops used as fronts for crime.

“Our message is simple: stop funding organised crime.

“Every time someone buys counterfeit cigarettes, the money helps criminal activity take hold in our communities.”