Illegal tobacco products seized at shop

Hundreds of packets of illegal tobacco products have been seized by police after visiting a shop in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

The West Mercia force said it visited the store last week after receiving information it was selling the illicit cigarettes and tobacco.

Officers found 692 packets of cigarettes and 220 packs of hand-rolling tobacco, believed to be worth £8,992.

Trading standards and His Majesty's Revenue and Customs have now taken on the investigation.

PC Mark Bates said: "The black market for illegal products undermines legitimate retailers and is often connected to organised criminal gangs and modern-day slavery."

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