JTI has removed its 30th gantry following three seizures of illicit tobacco at a Slough-based store.

Slough Borough Council revoked Grover Superstore’s licence for the tobacco infringements and for selling alcohol to two under-age volunteers during a test purchase, without requesting identification.

The council’s trading standards officers seized illicit tobacco from the store on three seperate occasions. On one occassion 210 packets of cigarettes and 12 x 50g pouches of hand-rolling tobacco were seized. 

JTI’s head of corporate affairs, Charlie Cunningham-Reid, said: “JTI has again demonstrated its commitment to take action against a retailer found to be selling illegal tobacco. Our action, supporting those of law enforcement agencies, serves as a timely reminder to any retailer tempted to sell illegal tobacco products.

“JTI calls on other category partners in the distribution chain to join us by withdrawing their support from any retailer who sells illegal tobacco.”

This action brings the total number of gantries removed by JTI from retailers punished for selling illegal tobacco to 30.

Any retailer who knows of criminals supplying illegal cigarettes in their area should contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, the HMRC Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887 or their local trading standards department.