An undercover operation conducted by Crewe-based Japan Tobacco International (JTI) has uncovered eight stores selling illegal tobacco products in the town.

The operation from the global tobacco and vaping company, based at Virginina House, Weston Road, highlighted the price disparity between legitimate and illicit products.

Counterfeit Amber Leaf hand rolling tobacco was bought for as little as £3 in Crewe, compared to around £43 for the genuine product.

The undercover operation from JTI, based at Virginina House, Weston Road, highlighted the price disparity between legitimate and illicit products (JTI).

The highest price paid on the day was £7, also for a counterfeit version.

Counterfeit Winston cigarettes were bought for £4, compared to around £15 for the genuine product.

Three of the Crewe stores tested were also found to be selling illegal products during a similar exercise in 2021.

All evidence and information gathered by JTI has been made available to Trading Standards and HM Revenue & Customs.

This is in anticipation it will support the Crewe-based company's efforts to enforce and prosecute anyone found to be selling illegal products.

Public affairs manager at JTI UK, Ian Howell, said: "It is shocking these criminals are selling illegal tobacco in the town where JTI has its national distribution centre and is a prominent employer.

"Crewe's residents need to think about this when they are, or they see others, buying a cheap pack of cigarettes or hand rolling tobacco.

JTI calls on anyone with information about the sale of illegal tobacco or vapes to contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 (Crewe Police).

"JTI calls on anyone with information about the sale of illegal tobacco or vapes to contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133, or through Cheshire East Council's website."

Cheshire East Council has said 'illicit tobacco has proven links to organised crime and the sale of such products can contribute to human trafficking, modern slavery, prostitution and terrorism.'

If a retailer knows of a store selling illicit tobacco or vapes, they should report them by calling Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.

They can also contact HM Revenue & Customs' Fraud Hotline (0800 788 887), or Crimestoppers (0800 555 111).

READ MORE: Major road in Crewe closes following serious car blaze.

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