By Talking Health TV – 

Nearly 1.3 million cigarettes and 68kg of hand rolling tobacco recovered in largest seizure since programme began

West Yorkshire has seen its largest-ever seizure of illegal tobacco following a major multi-agency operation targeting the sale of cheap and illicit products.

An intelligence-led crackdown carried out in Leeds and Kirklees on 2 February 2026 led to the seizure of almost 1.3 million cigarettes and 68kg of hand rolling tobacco. The operation involved West Yorkshire Trading Standards, West Yorkshire Police, HMRC and specialist tobacco detection dogs.

If the tobacco had been genuine, its estimated value would have exceeded £1.2 million, with a loss of duty to the Exchequer of around £700,000. Officers also seized a quantity of cash believed to be the proceeds of crime from the sale of illegal tobacco.

Nine premises targeted in a coordinated operation

A total of nine premises across West Yorkshire were visited as part of the operation, which authorities say disrupted serious organised criminal activity.

It marks the largest seizure in the region since the Illicit Tobacco Initiative began 12 years ago.

The enforcement activity forms part of the Tackling Illicit Tobacco for Better Health Programme, funded by the five West Yorkshire public health departments.

The programme aims to help people quit tobacco use by educating communities and taking action against traders supplying cheap and illegal products, using a combination of multi-agency enforcement and targeted marketing campaigns.

Cheap tobacco fuels crime and harms communities

Illicit tobacco is often sold for less than half the price of legal, tax-paid products, making it more accessible to children and young people and sustaining smoking habits among existing users.

Authorities warn that illegal sales undermine legitimate businesses and are closely linked to organised crime.

The trade contributes to a vast underground economy and, in some cases, involves victims of human trafficking who may be forced to sell illegal products to repay debts or under threat of harm to themselves or their families.

To date, the programme has removed more than 17 million illicit cigarettes and 4.3 tonnes of illegal hand rolling tobacco from West Yorkshire’s streets.

Thousands of members of the public and hundreds of frontline professionals have also received training to raise awareness of the dangers and wider criminality associated with illicit tobacco.

Leaders praise partnership working

Councillor Melanie Jones, Chair of the West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee, which oversees Trading Standards, said: “The illegal sale of tobacco in local communities enables and encourages young children to buy it cheaply.

“It is really positive that so many partners are working to tackle traders who break the law.

“I would like to thank members of the public for reporting illegal sales and encourage everyone to continue doing so to reduce the harm caused by tobacco in our communities.”

Linda Davis, Head of Trading Standards, Protecting Communities, added: “We are committed to the fight against illicit tobacco. By taking tough action and working with partners, this operation has taken a significant amount of illegal products off the streets.

“Far from being a victimless crime, the illegal trade in tobacco helps to fund organised criminality, makes it easier for children to start smoking, and costs the government millions each year in lost revenue.”

Police urge continued public support

Inspector Amanda Holroyd of Kirklees District Police said: “We have been pleased to work with our partners on what has been a significant operation which has resulted in the capture of very large amounts of illegal goods.

“Seizing these items safeguards the public from products which are typically unregulated and untested and can contain dangerous levels of nicotine and other harmful substances.

“It is also proven that money raised from illegal tobacco sales can be used to fund organised crime, which is another reason it is important we prevent these products from being circulated on our streets.

“None of us want to see organised crime in our neighbourhoods, and I encourage residents to keep contacting us with any information which can help us disrupt criminal activity and the sale of illegal goods.

“Reports can be made to West Yorkshire Police via 101, online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat or anonymously to the independent Crime Stoppers charity on 0800 555 111 or online webchat.”

How to report and get support

Anyone wishing to report a trader selling cheap or illicit tobacco can contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline anonymously on 0808 223 1133.

Free support to quit smoking is available at yestoquit.co.uk.