A test purchasing operation in Wolverhampton, carried out by Japan Tobacco International (JTI), with Convenience Store in attendance, has revealed the extent of the illicit tobacco and vape issue, with packs of illegal cigarettes available for as little as £2.50.
Undercover operatives carried out multiple test purchases across Wolverhampton in October 2024 and found that counterfeit and contraband tobacco products were easily obtained, whilst illegal vapes were also common.
The covert operation visited 22 stores which all had illicit tobacco readily available, including packs of cigarettes, rolling tobacco and illegal vapes, with some vapes boasting puff counts of 15,000. The cheapest pack of ready-made cigarettes (RMC) was bought for just £2.50.
The operation revealed that the typical price for a 50g pack of counterfeit roll your own tobacco (RYO) was between £4, with the operatives’ most expensive purchase being £5. For comparison, the recommended retail price of JTI’s lowest price 50g RYO product is £31.25 (Correct at time of test purchasing operation).
All evidence and information gathered has been made available to Trading Standards in anticipation that it will support their efforts to enforce and prosecute anyone found to be selling illegal products.
Public Affairs Manager at JTI UK, Ian Howell, said the results of the operation highlighted the scale of the issue. “This undercover operation in Wolverhampton provides further evidence of the substantial threat of illicit tobacco across the UK. Not only does illicit trade diminish the income of legitimate retailers, but it also funds criminal activity in our neighbourhoods.”
Howell added that the issue is UK-wide and unless action is taken, it will get worse. “We’ve conducted hundreds of test purchases in the past 12 months and unfortunately our findings show that illicit tobacco is prevalent in every large town and city we investigate. Lack of sufficient funding and powers for enforcement agencies, combined with years of escalating tobacco duty has contributed to the rapid growth of this black market.
“We also fear the problem will only get worse if the Government proceeds with the proposed generational smoking ban, taking footfall and profit away from law-abiding stores and giving illegal operators an increased customer base. As we look to the year ahead, stamping out the illicit tobacco market should be the top priority for the Government.”
If retailers know of a store that is selling illicit tobacco or vapes, they should report them by calling Trading Standards through the Citizen Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or contact HM Revenue & Customs’ Fraud Hotline (0800 788 887), or Crimestoppers (0800 555 111).
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