Illegal tobacco brings crime into our community

Illegal tobacco is linked to all kinds of organised crime - locally, nationally and globally. It contributes to an underground economy worth hundreds of millions of pounds and is often sold alongside other goods such as pornography and illegal alcohol.

More and more criminals are starting to deal in illegal tobacco rather than drugs because they see it as a way of making some easy cash and believe the penalties won't be as bad if they get caught.

Criminal gangs are targeting communities in the North of England, where they know they can prey on cash-strapped families who are more likely to buy illegal tobacco.