Multiple vehicles were also seized
Thousands of cigarettes were seized across Fishponds(Image: Avon and Somerset Police)
Multiple cars and thousands of cigarettes were seized from shops and vehicles during a multi-agency operation in Fishponds.
Avon and Somerset Police, Bristol City Council’s Trading Standards officials and HMRC visited three stores in the Fishponds area on Wednesday, May 13.
An estimated total of around 36,000 cigarettes were seized, either suspected to be counterfeit or not having the correct duty paid on them.
Neighbourhoods’ Inspector Richard Jones said: “This was yet another successful day of action targeting businesses which are suspected to be involved in exploitation and criminality, which demonstrates our work to root out illegal operations.
“Acting on live intelligence, we intercepted two vehicles suspected to be carrying contraband which were seized alongside around 36,000 cigarettes and tobacco, which is part of our ongoing work to protect the public from harm, and to ensure our communities are safe places to live and work.
“Businesses involved in criminality is not an issue exclusive to Bristol, but it is nonetheless a problem here which we continue to hear concerns from members of the public about, and we would urge them to continue to report issues to us so we can take the necessary action to bring offenders to justice.”
Around 8,000 cigarettes and 10 packets of tobacco were seized from one store, which will continue to be investigated by Trading Standards. Avon and Somerset Police said officers will also investigate potential licensing breaches.
HMRC then seized 1,500 cigarettes from a vehicle outside a shop it was believed to be linked to. A third shop was visited but nothing was seized, Avon and Somerset Police said.
Police also received reports a suspicious vehicle was being used as a ‘stash car’ for retailers in the area and 11,000 cigarettes were seized from that vehicle. The vehicle itself was also seized for not being taxed.
Later, HMRC seized around 20,000 more cigarettes from a vehicle seen driving away from the area. The vehicle was also seized and the driver was reported for driving offences.
Councillor Stephen Williams, Chair of Bristol City Council’s Public Health and Communities Committee, said: “We will continue to take action against the sale of illegal tobacco and non-compliant goods. They not only damage public health but also deprive health services of funding when the correct taxes are not paid.
“I would like to thank our Trading Standards team and all of the agencies involved in another successful operation to protect our residents and hold businesses operating illegally to account.”
