July 14, 2017 12.47 pm This story is over 80 months old

Illegal cigarettes and alcohol to be turned into electricity

More than 152,000 cigarettes and tanned of alcohol seized during raids in Lincolnshire will be turned into electricity to power homes in the county. Illegal cigarettes and 25kg of tobacco were confiscated across the county over the last 12 months and have been taken to a specialist recycling centre. The cigarettes will be broken down…
Seized alcohol over the last 12 months in Lincolnshire is to be turned into electricity.

More than 152,000 cigarettes and tanned of alcohol seized during raids in Lincolnshire will be turned into electricity to power homes in the county.

Illegal cigarettes and 25kg of tobacco were confiscated across the county over the last 12 months and have been taken to a specialist recycling centre.

The cigarettes will be broken down and made into electricity, while alcohol will be mixed with food and turned into gas that will be burned to create electricity.

Principle trading standards officer at Lincolnshire County Council, Emma Milligan, said: “We see tackling the sale of counterfeit and illegal cigarettes and alcohol as a priority.

‘Fake’ cigarettes are now to be broken down and turned into electricity.

“The cigarettes often contain things real cigarette manufacturers wouldn’t normally use, meaning that a carton of cheap cigarettes isn’t a good deal at all, but can actually pose a serious health risk.

“Some cigarettes do not self-extinguish and are therefore extremely dangerous. Illegal brands, such as Pect, Black Mount and Jin Lings, don’t comply with the UK safety standard of RIP (Reduced Ignition Propensity), meaning they don’t go out when not actively being smoked.

“Many bottles of alcohol including red and white wine and bottles of beer, were seized for non-payment of duty, while others were seized as they were counterfeit or fake and potentially very dangerous, containing industrial alcohol which is unfit for human consumption.”

Police have said that if you suspect anyone selling cheap, illegal cigarettes or alcohol, you should call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.