Illegal tobacco

 What is illegal tobacco? 

There are three mains ways that tobacco is made illegalGenuine, smuggled cigarettesBootlegged cigarettesCounterfeit cigarettes Smuggled cigarettes are legally made in the UK then exported to other countries but while being shipped to other countries they are stolen and brought back into the UK avoiding tax.

Most of the cigarettes are Regal’s and Super kings. Bootlegged cigarettes are legally produced in a country were the taxation is low, they are illegally brought into the country avoiding the duty, then they are sold on cheaply. Counterfeit cigarettes are produced under questionable H&S precautions, for example in a back room or cave in China.

There is no control over the amount of tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide levels. Counterfeit cigarettes may contain 75% more tar, 28% more nicotine and 36% more carbon monoxide. Why should you be concerned? Cheap cigarettes increase the risk of children getting hooked to them, it reduces the motivation of wanting to quit, and smokers tend to smoke more.

It doesn’t just have its health risks though as it funds criminal activity, terrorism and prostitution. It can lead to small operators becoming major smugglers.  Nine out of ten people (87%) agreed with the statement that illicit tobacco is “a danger to kids” because it can be obtained easily and cheaply.Why do people buy illegal tobacco then? People buy illegal tobacco because it is a lot cheaper than the real tobacco.

Young people can access the illegal tobacco easy; they can afford it because of how cheap it is. Young people access it through what’s known as a “fag house” or a “tab house” some people even get there tobacco from street traders. If you have information on illegal tobacco or you want some general information on illegal tobacco please contact North East Lincolnshire by texting the word ‘cig’ to 82055 or ring Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111 or e-mail www.crimestoppers-uk.org.