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Reading Council seizes illegal cigarettes and fake alcohol (14 October 2015)

Date: 14/10/2015
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Reading Council seizes illegal cigarettes and fake alcohol

Reading Council has seized a large haul of illegal alcohol and tobacco from a total of 13 different off licences and convenience stores across the borough.

The operation uncovered more than 3,000 illegal cigarettes and 3.5kg of smuggled hand rolling tobacco. Many of the many retailers involved have had their licences reviewed and revoked.

The council says that a total of 320 illegal bottles of vodka and beer have been confiscated this year so far – 312 of which were smuggled and eight of which were counterfeit.

In partnership with HMRC, Reading Council officers also seized 220 litres of wine from a shop selling the illegal alcohol at bargain prices.

Figures show that alcohol fraud costs the UK around £1 billion a year in lost revenue. Fraudsters also undercut sales prices of the legitimate trade.

Reading Council warns, however, that not only does illegal alcohol undermine all honest alcohol traders, fake “bargains” may be unfit for human consumption. Fake alcohol could have been made in unhygienic conditions –
and there is often no way of knowing what counterfeit alcohol has been made with.

Illegal tobacco products may also contain hazardous substances – and are often smuggled into the UK. Research shows that the illegal tobacco trade with cut-price “bargains” can encourage children and young adults to take up smoking and also helps fund organised crime.

Many low-income families who buy counterfeit cigarettes may be putting their health at risk by smoking tobacco products with harmful substances added to the tobacco.

Reading Council’s Lead Councillor for Consumer Services, Paul Gittings, said:

“By removing this illegal alcohol and tobacco from local shops, the council has prevented a potentially serious health risk to unwitting consumers – and taken funds away from criminals, who are likely to have used the money generated to fund other illegal activity.

“The council is committed to tackling alcohol crime – and the work we've achieved this year will make a significant impact on disrupting this type of activity.

“Hopefully, it will also make traders think twice about stocking these products, as we will always pursue prosecutions where possible.

“The message to consumers is if the cost of the alcohol or tobacco looks too good to be true, it probably is!”

Counterfeit products can often be identified from poor quality labelling. Consumers should also check for properly sealed caps, barcodes and duty stamps – and should be wary of unusual brand names and cheap alcohol that looks, smells or tastes unpleasant or unusual.

Duncan Lewis Crime Lawyers

Duncan Lewis can advise shopkeepers, market stall holders and individual sellers at any stage of a charge involving counterfeit, fake or illegal goods – including charges relating to illegal or counterfeit sales of tobacco products, alcohol, prescription medicines, perfumes, branded goods, clothing or DVDs.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – and a criminal defence lawyer can usually reach a police station within an hour.

Duncan Lewis can also advise on negotiating with investigating authorities such as HMRC, Trading Standards, or local council fraud teams.

For expert legal advice on counterfeit goods charges, call Duncan Lewis crime lawyers on 020 7923 4020.

Call us now on 033 3772 0409 or click here to send online enquiry.
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