Police seize counterfeit tobacco after raiding Melton businesses

Officers took part in an enforcement operation also involving officials from Melton Borough Council and Leicestershire Trading Standards to identify the sale of the illicit products and any other unlicensed activities.

Pc Davey Rawlings, of the Melton neighbouring policing areas, said: “It was a successful operation with items recovered.

“The trading standards service will continue their investigation supported by police and the borough council when needed.

“There are dangers involved in smoking counterfeit tobacco, not only to your health but with them being cheaper they are more appealing to children to start smoking.

“There is also strong links to organised crime.”

Anyone who knows of a Melton venue selling counterfeit goods is aksed to contact www.crimestoppers-uk.org to tell them anonymously or direct message Melton Police and they will respond.