Fake cigarettes being sold in Worcestershire

WORCESTERSHIRE Regulatory Services are aware that fake cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco are being sold within the county.

Fake tobacco products often contain much higher levels of nicotine and tar than genuine products and contain toxic chemicals including formaldehyde and arsenic. They are also often padded out with leaves and debris. Sellers of these fake products claim they are imported into the UK and are therefore available at a much reduced price as no duty has been paid.

It is illegal to sell fake tobacco products in the UK and it is illegal to sell tobacco products without paying the UK duty due on them.

These products not only harm the health of those people smoking them but also harm local legitimate businesses who sell genuine products.

The Central England Trading Standards Authorities (CEnTSA) has launched a fakes hotline, which retailers and the public can call to report the sale of fake cigarettes.