PCSOs catch Harehills shop assistant trying to hide £30k of fake cigarettes

Two PCSOs were at a shop in Harehills when they walked in to see the shop assisstant trying to hide the fake products.

Police were then sent to the scene and the shop owner had no choice but to show officers the room where the products were being stored.

Police then seized more than 3,000 packets of cigarettes and roll-ups on behalf of Trading Standards, who will launch their own investigation.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "Local Police Community Support Officers uncovered illicit trade of Contraband Tobacco products yesterday with an estimated street value of £30k during routine enquiries.

"PCSOs Whitworth and Chatband were attending a licensed premise in the Harehills area to conduct enquiries when the discovery was made.

"The local PCSOs were quick to detect suspicious activity, witnessing the shop assistant at the location trying to conceal the Contraband products.

"Officers were sent to the location to assist the PCSO’s at the scene where the shop owner then led Officers to a room where the Contraband products were being stored.

"Officers seized over 3,000 packs of cigarettes and rolling tobacco from the location on behalf of Trading Standards who will be investigating the matter."

Sergeant Sarah Jenness from East Leeds Neighbourhood Policing Team said,

“Today’s discovery is testament to the dedication, quick thinking and hard work of the Local PCSO’s and Officers that cover East Leeds Neighbourhood Policing Team.”

“We will continue to work alongside our Partner Agencies in relation to the supply of such products by gathering intelligence and assisting with enforcements in order to provide Safer Communities for all.”

To report the sale of cheap and illicit tobacco including underage sales please contact Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 040506.