'We are not stopping there': 1.7m illegal cigarettes taken off Lincolnshire streets in crackdown
Nearly 1.7 million illegal cigarettes have been taken off Lincolnshire’s streets as part of a major crackdown on unsafe tobacco products.
New figures reveal more than 760,000 were seized in the past year alone, alongside almost 30,000 illegal vapes and 7,600kg of hand rolling tobacco since 2023.
Authorities say the illicit trade is not just illegal – it’s dangerous.
By law, cigarettes sold in the UK must self-extinguish if left unattended. Illegal cigarettes often fail to meet this standard, increasing the risk of deadly house fires.
Coun Alex McGonigle, executive member for community safety at Lincolnshire County Council, issued a stark warning:
“It’s incredibly concerning that illegal cigarettes bypass the very fire safety regulations that are in place to protect people.”
Speaking as a former firefighter, he added: “In Lincolnshire we have seen lives and homes devastated by preventable fires caused by illegal cigarettes that didn’t self-extinguish.”
Despite the scale of the seizures, he made clear the fight is far from over:
“Every single illegal cigarette sold puts a person’s life at risk… we are not stopping there.”
Officials say the illegal tobacco trade is often linked to wider crime, including shops staffed by people with no legal right to work in the UK.
Lincolnshire Trading Standards is working alongside Lincolnshire Police and Immigration Enforcement to target offenders.
Teams carry out test purchases, seize illegal goods and can shut down premises for up to three months. Work is then done with landlords to remove offenders permanently and bring cases before the courts.
“Community intelligence is vital”
Cllr McGonigle added:
“The intelligence we receive from local communities is absolutely vital… please tell us what you know and help keep your community safe.”
Residents can report concerns anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.