Ten bags of illegal cigarettes and tobacco were seized during a raid on a town centre.

The products were found in two shops in Folkestone during the operation, led by Kent County Council’s (KCC) Trading Standards team and supported by Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) and Kent Police.

The three teams were assisted by sniffer dogs Maggie and Yoyo during the raid last Thursday.

In total, 29,480 illegal cigarettes were confiscated and 20.8kgs of illegal hand-rolling tobacco was seized.

Officers found they had been smuggled into the country from Europe and Russia, as well as other unlawful counterfeit products.

As of yet no one has been arrested following the raids, but KCC says investigations continue.

FHDC leader Cllr David Monk said: "Illegal tobacco is not a victimless crime - it can have far-reaching and devastating effects on communities.

"We’re pleased to have supported this successful operation, and we are working with our partners to tackle such activity in the district.

"Research has proven that illegal tobacco can be dangerous - as well as bringing in organised crime into communities, and encouraging children to start smoking."

The raids were carried out as a result of intelligence gathering, reports from businesses and residents, as well as information shared through the Community Safety Unit and Kent Police.

Shoppers are advised that illegal cigarette and tobacco packaging often does not have the correct health warnings, making them easy to distinguish.

In addition, anyone found selling illegal cigarettes and tobacco can be prosecuted.

A spokesman for KCC Trading Standards said: "The visits came as a result of reports made to KCC Trading Standards, for which we are very grateful.

"Anyone with information on illegal tobacco can report it anonymously through stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk or by calling 0300 999 6 999."

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