Illegal cigarettes and tobacco with an estimated street value of £142,000 were seized from a mini market in Evesham on Tuesday (12 November).

The haul of counterfeit products was discovered hidden in an upstairs storeroom at Evesham Grocers Limited on Port Street following an engagement visit.

Officers from Evesham Town Centre Team worked with partners at Worcestershire Trading Standards as they uncovered one of the biggest hauls of counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco in recent years. A small quantity of illegal vapes were also seized.

The shop has now been identified for further investigations by Trading Standards officers with options available that could include licences being withdrawn or a closure order.

Police Sergeant Duncan Eades of Evesham Town Centre Team said: “We carried out this store visit with our partners at Trading Standards in response to community concerns around the illegal sale of counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco there.

“Working together, we recovered around £142,000 worth of illicit products which is one of the biggest hauls in recent years in Worcestershire.

“Illegal tobacco products like these are often linked to serious and organised crime so it’s important we continue our work to seize them before they go on sale and continue to fund potential criminal enterprises.

“We will not cease in our work with partners to act on community concerns and disrupt such operations in the future.

“The public are our eyes and ears on the ground so if you think you suspect criminal activities near you please approach your Safer Neighbourhood Officer or report it to us via our website Report A Crime | West Mercia Police.”

Alternatively, if you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name, and they cannot trace your call or IP address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.