Essex County Council and Trading Standards are leading a crackdown on traders selling counterfeit cigarettes.
There is a growing problem surrounding the sale of bootlegged tobacco and cigarettes and traders are being warned that they could face a fine or even jail time if they are found to be selling illegal products.
Whilst people may be inclined to save money by purchasing bootlegged cigarettes, they may pay a higher price later down the line. Alan Richards, operation manager at Trading Standards, spoke of the dangers: “You also don’t know what you are buying – we have seen tobacco being mixed with mouse droppings and asbestos.”
Cigarettes containing asbestos are extremely dangerous, as inhaling asbestos fibres puts people at risk of developing asbestos related conditions, such as mesothelioma.
Illegal cigarettes can be identified by their low cost and unfamiliar brand. They may also taste different to normal cigarettes. They often contain spelling errors on their packaging as well.
We would advise anyone who thinks they may have bought counterfeit cigarettes not to smoke them and to contact their local Trading Standards office.
If you require assistance in pursuing a mesothelioma claim or believe you have any other valid claim for asbestos compensation, then please contact us today on our freephone number 0800 038 6767. Alternatively, head over to the ‘Contact Us’ page, complete the form and we will be in touch.