Retailers concerned fake cigarettes boom is funding organised crime

A surge in the under-the-counter sale of counterfeit cigarettes could be lining the pockets of organised crime gangs across the UK.

Fresh stats reveal that 11 out of 12 regions have seen a spike in this illegal trade compared to the previous year, with Scotland witnessing a staggering rise of over 20% in just one year.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland and the South East of England have experienced increases of 15.9% and 14.5% respectively.

The report also uncovers that the UK is third out of 38 countries for the volume of illicit tobacco products - with a quarter of all smoked said to be smuggled goods.

London has seen a shocking surge of 109% since 2020, according to the data, commissioned by Philip Morris International, via KPMG. Further surveying of 200 London shop owners revealed a third are convinced sales of such products are fuelling dangerous and organised crime.

The poll exposed that youth tobacco and vape use, violent crime, and money laundering linked to the illicit trade are higher in London's poorest communities. The cost-of-living crisis is viewed as a contributing factor, with half of all shopkeepers citing economic hardship and the demand for cheaper products as drivers of illicit use.

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Former Scotland Yard detective, Will O'Reilly, disclosed that undercover operatives had visited 60 retailers in the capital and more than half were openly selling harmful and unregulated smoking products.

Will O'Reilly commented: "This is a pattern I've observed across the country, with stores selling dangerous illicit cigarettes and vapes. Eliminating the illegal cigarette market alone could strip organised crime of profits equivalent to funding over 115,000 new police officers."

A survey revealed that 52% of retailers are worried that higher taxes on legal products might fuel the illicit market. Similarly, 44% fear that restrictive regulations on legitimate alternatives could inadvertently boost such activity.

The respondents demonstrated their commitment to combating the illicit product market by only purchasing from legitimate sources and reporting illegal activities. However, 40% are sceptical that illicit use will decrease by 2030, which is England's smoke-free target.

Seven out of ten respondents would like to see more robust law enforcement, and three-quarters would support stricter penalties for those who break the rules. Additionally, 71% want improved access to legitimate, affordable smoke-free alternatives like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

Duncan Cunningham, from Philip Morris Limited (PML), added: "The illicit tobacco and vape trade poses a direct and serious threat to public health, preying on deprived communities and driving youth uptake."

"With the UK already among Europe's largest illicit cigarette markets, we must strike a careful balance: safeguarding people, especially youth, from harmful illicit products, while ensuring adult smokers have access to smoke-free alternatives."

"To truly achieve a smoke-free future, we must protect future generations and support the 6.4 million adult smokers in the UK by maintaining access to regulated alternatives that have already helped millions quit cigarettes."