Watch: £300,000 of illegal cigarettes seized in Bradford raids
Police and Trading Standards seized around £300,000 worth of illegal cigarettes and tobacco and £25,000 in cash during coordinated raids at six properties across Bradford.
Multiple warrants were executed simultaneously on Smiddles Lane, Marshfields, Gaythorne Road, West Bowling, Lilycroft Road, Manningham and Barden Avenue, Buttershaw.
Trading Standards and officers in Bradford seized around £300,000 of illegal cigarettes and tobacco.
Alongside this, around £25,000 in cash from four residential and two retail premises in Bradford.
Since the operation investigations have also been launched by trading standards about the sale of illicit goods.
There will also be an investigation into licensing activities by West Yorkshire Police and Bradford Council to look at any possible license revocations.
Linda Davis, head of trading standards, protecting communities, said:
“We are committed to the fight against illicit tobacco. By taking tough action and working with partners, this operation has taken a significant amount of illegal products off the streets.
“Far from being a victimless crime, the illegal trade in tobacco helps to fund organised criminality, makes it easier for children to start smoking, and costs the government millions each year in lost revenue.”
Inspector Oliver Bentley, of Bradford district said: "This is a nationwide issue, and organised crime is connected to violence, exploitation and anti-social behaviour.
“Our achievements on this single day of intensification highlight the ongoing work that our officers and partners do. We will continue to investigate these crimes and bring offenders to justice while reassuring our communities and protecting those at risk.”