How are fake cigs and cannabis finding their way into our community?
An operation involving trading standards, HM Revenue &
Customs and the police uncovers counterfeit cigarette factories in
Yorkshire.
In December 2008, thousands of pounds-worth of cannabis and
counterfeit tobacco products were seized and four people arrested
as part of a major operation by the Yorkshire and Humberside
Scambusters team.
'Operation APUS' involved trading standards, HM Revenue
& Customs and the police, targeting addresses across the region
suspected of taking deliveries of significant quantities of
counterfeit cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco.
The operation uncovered a counterfeit cigarette factory in Leeds
and another in Sheffield, resulting in the seizure of over 58 kilos
of counterfeit tobacco and manufacturing paraphernalia. Two people,
suspected of being illegal immigrants, were arrested.
10,000 counterfeit cigarettes were also seized from an address
in Hull, where one person was arrested.
Officers also uncovered a cannabis factory in Leeds, in which
every room had been converted for cannabis production.
Approximately 500 plants - an estimated street value in excess of
£120,000 - were seized for destruction and one person was
arrested.
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