Illicit tobacco is a major cause of premature death, disease and health inequalities. It’s thought that one in six cigarettes and over half of hand rolled tobacco is now smuggled or fake.
On some estates, the sale of illicit cigarettes from a front room, car boot or factory floor is now the norm. But this is not a victimless crime. It is linked to organised crime, raising anxiety among law abiding citizens. It also undermines the legal UK controls on tobacco, creating new generations of children who will become addicted from their teens, especially in poorer communities.
Cutting supply and demand is the urgent priority of the North of England ‘Tackling Illicit Tobacco for Better Health Programme’ across the North East, North West and Yorkshire and Humberside. This work involves the three regions including Local Authority Trading Standards Groups, Fresh, the Department of Health, HM Revenue and Customs, the Association of Chief Police Officers, the Serious and Organised Crime Agency and the newly formed UK Border Agency. North of England Tackling Illicit Tobacco for Better Health Action Plan
