JTI Reveals Extent Of Illegal Tobacco In Bolton

Source from:  Talking Retail 11/09/2018

A mystery shopping operation carried out by Japan Tobacco International (JTI) in Bolton this summer discovered that almost two out of three stores visited found to be selling illegal tobacco.

The investigation found that 23 out of the 37 stores visited were found to be selling illegal tobacco – a number sold counterfeit JTI tobacco products.

JTI’s operation found counterfeit 50g packs of hand rolling tobacco were on sale from £4.00, compared to about £22.00 for genuine products.

The illegal products purchased were all in branded packaging, JTI said.

The tobacco company said the details of the stores selling illegal tobacco have been passed onto Trading Standards.

Steve Wilkins, JTI’s anti-illegal trade operations director and former detective chief superintendent, said: “Smokers buying cheap fake cigarettes and tobacco on the streets of Bolton may be getting

more than they bargain for as fake imitations have been found to contain asbestos, mould, dust, dead flies, rat droppings and even human excrement.

“The vast majority of retailers are the ‘gatekeepers’ for age-restricted products and they help to ensure that children do not get hold of tobacco products. Unfortunately, the criminals who sell illegal

tobacco within our communities do not operate a ‘no ID no sale’ policy and will sell to all-comers, including children.”  Enditem