For some people, the illegal cigarette trade in the UK may seem like a minor crime. However, experts warn that this growing problem is closely linked to more serious criminal activities. Can the UK government truly tackle this issue and achieve its goal of becoming a smoke-free country?
Illegal Cigarettes Becoming Rampant on High Streets
BBC News special correspondent Ed Thomas shared his experience investigating the illegal tobacco trade in the UK. He followed a trading standards officer to uncover how counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes affect high streets.
Within just a week, they repeatedly witnessed counterfeit tobacco being sold in mini-marts. During filming, they even received threats from shop workers. Despite this, they continued their investigation to expose the scale of the problem.
Cigarette Sales Linked to Serious Organised Crime
According to Thomas, a leading criminology expert described the networks behind illegal tobacco sales as the 'golden thread for understanding serious organised crime.'
Illegal cigarette sales are not just about tax evasion; they are also linked to human trafficking and illegal immigration. The National Crime Agency (NCA) has previously carried out raids on hundreds of high street shops suspected of being supplied by international crime gangs.
Why Penalties and Fines Are Not Enough
The UK government has introduced hefty fines and penalties in an effort to curb illegal tobacco sales.
'Legal tobacco products in the UK are subject to some of the highest excise taxes in the world,' said Prof Georgios Antonopoulos, a criminologist at Northumbria University Newcastle.
However, these measures have not been fully effective. Thomas noted that illegal cigarette supplies continue to flourish due to high profits and a lack of enforcement resources. The complex criminal supply networks and links to organised immigration crime make it challenging for authorities to gain control.
Can The UK Become a Smoke-free Country?
Currently, the UK has not completely banned cigarettes. However, Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) have given their consent to UK legislation aiming to ban tobacco for future generations.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill proposes banning tobacco sales to anyone born after 1 January 2009. It also introduces restrictions on the sale and advertising of vapes and imposes stricter packaging rules for e-cigarettes.
In May, Public Health Minister Jenni Minto expressed optimism about the legislation, describing it as a landmark step towards reducing smoking rates.
'The Bill, once passed, will also ban vapes and nicotine products from being deliberately promoted and advertised to children, stopping the next generation from becoming hooked on nicotine,' Minto said.
