£500k in Illegal Tobacco Seized in Walsall, Maidstone Crackdown

A significant crackdown on illegal tobacco and vaping products has occurred in Maidstone, where police seized over £40,000 worth of goods during a raid on February 28. The operation, conducted by Kent Police in conjunction with Maidstone Borough Council and Kent County Council Trading Standards, uncovered approximately 20kg of illicit tobacco and around 40,000 illegal cigarettes hidden in sophisticated compartments within a store. In addition to the tobacco, officers discovered an unlicensed air-powered revolver, highlighting the serious public health risks associated with counterfeit products that may contain harmful chemicals. Investigating officer PC Tom Cunningham warned that purchasing these illicit items supports organized crime, which is often linked to more severe criminal activities such as human trafficking. Officers are encouraging the public to report any information regarding illegal tobacco sales to the authorities. No arrests have been made yet, but the seized products will be destroyed.