Barnsley streets safer thanks to illegal cigs raid

A group of illegal tobacco traders from Barnsley has been convicted after being caught with over 2-million illegal cigarettes destined for the local market.

As illegal tobacco is linked to a range of dodgy dealings known to damage local communities, the raid is seen as important step in protecting families and young people in the Barnsley area. Often seen as a victimless crime, selling illegal ciggies and hand rolling tobacco actually makes it easier for children to smoke, brings more serious criminals into the area and gets vulnerable young families in trouble with the law.

The five-strong group included two men and three women, one of whom was 64, underlining the fact that illegal tobacco is often sold by everyday people, not realising the damage they are doing to their community. Darren Remmington (45), Danny Dougherty (45) and his sister-in-law Julie Dougherty (54), Noreen Turner (64) and Jennifer Saunders (37) were busted following a lengthy inquiry by South Yorkshire Police's (SYP) Money Laundering Investigation Team.

The team seized more than 2.1-million illegal cigarettes destined to be sold on the streets of Barnsley for between £20 and £30 per 200. They found fake UK packs filled with foreign tobacco as well as a range of non-UK brands (Jin Lings, Raquel) manufactured specifically for the UK illegal tobacco market.

Although buying and selling illegal tobacco is often perceived as a minor crime, those who understand its severity see it differently. In line with its seriousness, the SYP team mounted a highly organised investigation over a number of months (Operation Liquidate), culminating in a series of lunchtime raids.

Darren Remmington was sentenced to two-and-a-half years imprisonment for his part in the operation. Jennifer Saunders was given a twelve-month sentence suspended for two-years. She also received a six-month curfew from 7pm to 7am. Noreen Turner was given a conditional discharge for a firearms offence, a three-month sentence suspended for twelve-months for a conspiracy offence and a four-month curfew from 7pm-7am. Julie Dougherty received a three-month curfew from 7pm-7am. Danny Dougherty is still awaiting sentencing.

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