Freeman Street shop raids uncovers haul of illegal tobacco and thousands in cash – Grimsby Live

A large amount of counterfeit tobacco has been discovered during shop raids on Freeman Street.

Around 4,000 in cash was also recovered from several properties by police officers and Trading Standards officers from North East Lincolnshire Council.

Police visited several premises on the Grimsby street this weekend in a bid to root out illegal tobacco, often in the form of fake cigarettes or rolling tobacco.

It isn't known exactly how many were found, but similar investigations have recovered thousands of cigarettes with a street value of nearly 3,000.

They have warned that the fake substance is often dangerous, and is used to finance organised crime.

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A statement from Humberside Police said: Following an intensive two days of action at the weekend, a large sum of illicit tobacco and approximately 4,000 cash was recovered on Freeman Street, Grimsby.

Officers from our Grimsby Neighbourhood patrol joined Trading Standards officers in visiting a number of properties in the area.

Upon searching the properties a large amount of illicit tobacco was recovered. The investigation is now being led by Trading Standards.

PS Claire Jacobs said: These are not victimless crimes and agencies will continue to support one another- acting on information and intelligence that the public provide.

This offending is used to fund organised crime gangs and has been linked to modern day slavery and human trafficking operations.

When you buy these products, you could also be putting your own health at risk. Not only has no duty been paid on them but theyve not been tested to ensure theyre safe.

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Counterfeit tobacco products often contain all kinds of harmful substances.

We hope that this latest action will send a stark warning to anyone involved in this type of crime, that we will seek every avenue to disrupt them.

If you have information about counterfeit goods in your area call us on our non-emergency number 101 and let us help make our communities safer for everyone.

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Freeman Street shop raids uncovers haul of illegal tobacco and thousands in cash - Grimsby Live