£24M ILLICIT CIGARETTES SEIZED IN YEAR-LONG UK OPERATION

Over 33 million illicit cigarettes and 800kg of hand-rolling tobacco, valued at nearly £24 million, have been seized from UK retail outlets over the past year. The confiscations were carried out under Operation CeCe, a joint initiative between National Trading Standards and HM Revenue and Customs. Since 2023, authorities have levied penalties totalling £3.5 million against retailers and individuals engaged in the illicit tobacco trade.

Organised criminal gangs control much of the illegal market, distributing products through high street shops and vape stores. According to authorities, the illicit tobacco trade undermines legitimate businesses and makes cheap products available to young people. Officials estimate that the illegal tobacco market costs public services approximately £1.7 billion annually through lost tax revenue and associated harms.

The operation represents an ongoing effort to disrupt supply chains feeding the black market in tobacco. Authorities have not confirmed whether Operation CeCe will continue beyond the current period or what enforcement priorities may shift in coming months. The seizures form part of a broader strategy to address organised crime involvement in the tobacco trade across the UK.