An operation to crack down on suspected illegal tobacco and alcohol in north Kent has uncovered more than 3,580 cigarettes, 12.5 kilos of tobacco and 900 litres of alcohol.

Officers from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) visited 34 shops in Dartford and Gravesend in an effort to disrupt their sale and supply.

The operation was carried out with support from Kent Police, Kent County Council and Dartford Borough Council's Trading Standards team.

Border Force tobacco dogs and their handlers helped officers uncover cigarettes hidden within the shops. Visits were made as part of HMRC's Tobacco Taskforce activities.

The suspected duty and VAT evaded on the total amount of alcohol and tobacco seized is £8,500.

Peter Millroy, assistant director of criminal investigation at HMRC, said: "The sale of illegal tobacco and alcohol will not be tolerated by us or our partner agencies.

"Disrupting criminal trade is at the heart of our strategy to clampdown on the illicit tobacco market, which costs the UK around £2 billion a year, and the sale of illicit alcohol which costs the UK around £1 billion per year.

"This is theft from the taxpayer and undermines legitimate traders."

Sue Gibson, also from HMRC, added: "The traders found dealing in illicit alcohol and tobacco will now feel the full weight of HMRC Taskforces.

"Their illicit trade is proof that they’re suppressing sales and not paying their fair share of tax."

The visits, as part of HMRC’s Tobacco Taskforce activity, which bring together various HMRC compliance and enforcement teams for intensive bursts of activity targeted at specific sectors and locations where there is evidence of high risk of tax evasion and fraud.

Anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco or alcohol should contact HMRC on 0800 59 5000.