More than 40,000 illegal cigarettes seized in Boston in multi-agency operation, police reveal

The seizures were made on October 2 as part of Operation Machinize, a national crackdown on money laundering and the criminal use of so-called ‘cash-intensive’ high street businesses.

The action in Boston involved Lincolnshire Police’s Boston and South Holland Neighbourhood Policing Teams and Tactical Support Team, Lincolnshire County Council Trading Standards, Home Office Immigration and Enforcement, and a specialist detection dog (a cocker spaniel called Skye) from Wagtail UK, plus her handler.

Previously, it was reported that ‘11 large sacks’ of illicit tobacco goods were confiscated in the crackdown.

Now, however, Lincolnshire Police has released further details about the operation, which involved visiting five premises in the town:

• Officers found 21,800 of illicit cigarettes at a premises in West Street, which had been concealed in the bonnet of a vehicle with the engine removed.
• A further 9,800 of illicit cigarettes and 1kg of hand-rolling tobacco were seized following a search of two vehicles believed to be associated with a store in Horncastle Road. A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being in possession of counterfeit cigarettes. He was interviewed by Trading Standards colleagues and has been bailed pending further inquiries.
• Officers discovered two separate hides at a store in Church Lane, Boston, one hidden in the ceiling, with another being located under the counter, adding another 12,000 illicit cigarettes to the overall tally. A man, also 24 years old, was arrested for the same offence, interviewed and bailed pending further inquiries.

Across the county, nine hides were found as part of Operation Machinize, resulting in the seizure of more than 130,000 illegal cigarettes, plus other illicit tobacco products.

The force gave ‘enormous thanks’ to the ‘phenomenal skills’ of Skye and her handler for their assistance.

Insp Paul Sands, who coordinated the enforcement action, said: “Criminals go to extraordinary lengths to conceal illicit tobacco because it is a cornerstone of their wider operations. Profits from these products often fund highly organised crime, including human trafficking, drug supply, and money laundering – activities that affect communities everywhere.

“Every visit to a premises is an opportunity to gather intelligence and remove dangerous counterfeit goods that fail basic safety standards.

“The fight against this crime depends on strong partnerships and community support. By disrupting these networks, we send a clear message: Lincolnshire will not tolerate organised crime, and we will use every legal tool to dismantle it.”

Members of the public are urged to share information or report concerns on such criminal activity.

This can be done through: speaking with officers at an engagement event; emailing the local Neighbourhood Policing Team via the dedicated neighbourhood policing sections of the force’s website; chatting with officers as they conduct foot patrols; calling 101; or through Crimestoppers, anonymously.

In an emergency, the advice is to call 999.