Scrutiny investigation raises concerns over growing illicit tobacco trade

MAJOR concerns have been raised about the scale of contraband and counterfeit tobacco within Barnsley.

A report from the Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Commission has highlighted the implications that illegal sales are having on Barnsley, as well as the health effects that counterfeit tobacco has on smokers.

Chair of the Commission Cllr Janice Hancock said: “The risks of smoking are well documented but we were shocked by the alarming health risks from smoking counterfeit tobacco, which has been described as a ‘lethal cocktail’. It includes arsenic and considerably higher levels of tar and carbon monoxide than would be found in legally purchased tobacco.

“For the sake of the health of our communities it is essential that we work together with our partner organisations to combat the growing problem of increased availability of both contraband and counterfeit tobacco here in Barnsley.”

Barnsley has been highlighted as a hotspot in the sale of contraband and counterfeit tobacco, which is being sold from ‘fag houses’ within the community, through some local shops and other outlets.

The scrutiny commission pointed out that the sale of counterfeit tobacco is sometimes perceived as a victimless crime within communities, which makes it difficult to tackle. Nonetheless action must always be taken against this criminal activity.

The sale of counterfeit tobacco is becoming a lucrative and sophisticated trade which is growing locally at an alarming rate, the Scrutiny Commission report says. HM Customs and Excise regard the South Yorkshire area as one of the focal points for the smuggling of counterfeit tobacco.

The Scrutiny Commission welcomes plans to tackle the problem; one of the key objectives is to reduce access to counterfeit tobacco.

Barnsley Council plans to work with Customs and Excise and the police to tackle the problem by reducing supply of, and thereby access to, counterfeit and contraband tobacco, and encourage members of the public to report illegal sales of tobacco.

The commission also welcomed the contribution of Barnsley MPs to the investigation and their ongoing commitment to tackle locally what is also a serious national problem.

Cllr David Bostwick, Cabinet Spokesperson for Adult Services, welcomed and supported the Scrutiny Commission’s report. He said: “The prevalence of counterfeit tobacco is very much a hidden health problem. It is also a problem that needs to be addressed by both enforcement agencies and the community as a whole.”

ENDS

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