3:01pm Monday 22nd March 2010
By Chris Hewett
Hertfordshire smokers are being warned of counterfeit cigarettes as car boot sale season approaches.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has advised people to look out for traders selling smuggled or imitation brands as it is difficult to know what they are buying.
The sales are unlicensed and unregulated and, with expertly crafted packaging, it can be impossible to spot whether the cigarettes are counterfeit.
Keith Morgan, specialist investigation detection manager for HMRC, said: “Those involved are not concerned if they are selling to children and under age young people.
“We have active and effective teams of officers operating across Hertfordshire to disrupt this illicit trade.
"It has a devastating impact on legitimate retailers having to compete against these black market traders.
"The gangs behind this form of criminality reap huge profits from cigarette sales which are ploughed straight back into the criminal underworld, feeding activities like drug dealing and fraud.
“We are keen to work closely with local people and communities in the fight against this type of crime.
"Anyone who knows of someone selling cheap or duty free cigarettes and tobacco at car boot sales and markets, or from their house or place of work, can contact the customs hotline on 0800 59 5000 or email customs.hotline@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.”
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