Police and Trading Standards issue warning over new fake cigarettes

Labelled ‘Black Mount’, the cigarettes - known as ‘illicit whites’ - were found on a raid at the end of last year.

Found in an illegal ‘fag house’ in Mablethorpe, these cigarettes were seized and sent to the public analyst, who has confirmed these are ‘unsafe’.

Black Mount cannot be sold legally anywhere and are manufactured purely for the black market.

They come in white packs with the words ‘Black Mount’ on the front with a picture of a black and grey mountain.

Dan Brown, senior trading standards officer at Lincolnshire County Council, warned: “This is the first time we have seen this brand in Lincolnshire.

“It is a brand purely manufactured for the black market and is made to be smuggled. Because of that, there is no quality control.

“We know that the people who are selling them have no interest in what they are selling or who they are selling to.

“These illicit cigarettes are dangerous – they don’t comply with EU safety regulations and don’t self-extinguish, so could result in a house fire.

“Also, as they are unregulated you just don’t know what chemicals and components are inside them, so goodness knows what impact they will have on your body.”

• If you see these cigarettes or suspect anyone of selling cheap, illegal cigarettes, please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.