11 bags of illicit tobacco and cigarettes seized in raids on Boston businesses
Two men have been arrested and illegal tobacco and cigarettes have been seized after officers visited five premises in Boston. Last week, the Boston and South Holland Neighbourhood Policing Teams visited a number of premises. This operation is focused on tackling money laundering and criminal use of high street businesses. It involved Lincolnshire County Council Trading Standards, Home Office Immigration and Enforcement, and specialist detection dog, Skye with her handler from Wagtail UK Illicit tobacco and cigarettes were seized from three of the shops, including Teddys in Church Lane, Pound Plus in West Street and Boston Fruitis in Horncastle Road. Three large sacks of the illegal items were seized at Pound Plus concealed in the bonnet of a vehicle with the engine removed. Two men, aged 25 and 34, were arrested on suspicion of possession of counterfeit cigarettes. They were interviewed by Trading Standards and have been bailed, pending further inquiries. Three sacks worth of illegal tobacco and cigarettes were also found after a search of two vehicles believed to be associated with Boston Fruitis Market. Four further sacks were then filled with illegal tobacco and cigarettes after the items were discovered hidden in the ceiling at Teddys, and another sack was found under the counter. Inspector Ian Cotton of Boston and South Holland NPT said: “The sale of illegal tobacco is far more than a public health concern, it’s a gateway to complex criminal enterprises and Lincolnshire Police, along with key partners, are confronting these challenges head-on. “The consequences ripple through our communities, and can manifest in anti-social behaviour, underage sales, and drug-related offences. It can also bring increased violence and economic harm to legitimate business, money laundering and tax evasion ultimately hits the pockets of all those who contribute. “The influence of criminal gangs can infiltrate our communities, spreading fear and intimidation on our streets, and exploiting young people by pulling them into dangerous and destructive criminal networks.” He added: “We will continue to work strategically with our partners, leveraging every piece of legislation at our disposal, to ensure the streets of Boston and indeed Lincolnshire are a safe and welcoming place to be.” Two illegal workers were identified at the Fenside Road Chip Shop and were dealt with by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
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It is understood that civil penalties for illegal working are being pursued, and business owners can face a fine of up to £60,000 per person if an employer knowingly hires someone without the right to work in the UK. Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue and Lincolnshire Housing Partnership were also informed of workers sleeping above two locations and notices were issued. Councillor Alex McGonigle, executive councillor for community safety at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Shops selling illegal tobacco products are the front door to an underworld of organised crime. Not only do the sale of these unsafe items put people’s lives at risk, they bankroll criminal gangs, and lead to other serious crimes, including illegal working. “We work closely with Lincolnshire Police to tackle this trade head on, helping to ensure our town centres remain a safe and welcoming place to live and visit, where fair and legal trade flourishes.”
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