October 9, 2018 11.21 am This story is over 65 months old

Almost 10,000 illegal cigarettes seized in shop raid

Several secret hide-holes were found
Almost 10,000 illegal and illicit cigarettes have been seized following an inspection of a High Street Shop in Lincoln. Photo: Lincolnshire County Council

Almost 10,000 illegal cigarettes and nearly 1kg of illegal tobacco have been seized after an inspection at a shop on Lincoln High Street last week.

Trading Standards, police licensing officers and trained wagtail dogs carried out the inspection at Super Sam, which is located on Lower High Street, on Thursday, October 4.

Several secret hide-holes were discovered. Photo: Lincolnshire County Council

Several secret hide-holes were found during the inspection which contained illicit, illegal and non-duty-paid cigarettes and illegal tobacco.

Trading Standards will now be taking the appropriate action to secure a future prosecution.

A number of storage compartments were discovered after close inspection. Photo: Lincolnshire County Council

Senior Trading Standards Officer Joanne Hocking said: “We carried out a number of inspections last week, based on intelligence we have gathered.

“During the visit to the Super Sam store we discovered a number of storage compartments which were not visible without closer inspection.

“In a room located behind the counter we found shelving which looked normal, but when we lifted up the wood which made up the shelf unit there was room for a layer of cigarette packets.

Trading Standards, Police licensing officers and trained Wagtail dogs carried out the inspection. Photo: Lincolnshire County Council

“In the kitchen, there was a recess containing another shelving unit. One of the wagtail dogs indicated there was something there and we could feel an air flow. We revealed another secret compartment containing quite a large number of cigarettes.

“Also in the kitchen, between the bottom of one of the units and the floor of the shop there was another hidden storage area containing a quantity of illegal items.

“The success of the operation highlights just how important it is for people to come forward with information to help get these illegal and very often dangerous items off the streets.

“If you have any information you feel may be of assistance please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”