Illegal cigarettes and rolling tobacco worth almost £20,000 have been confiscated after several shops were targeted by police.

Businesses suspected of selling illicit tobacco were inspected in a joint operation by Kent Trading Standards and the Maidstone Neighbourhood Task Force.

Yesterday (August 9) four shops were visited in the Fant area of Maidstone.

Two premises were found to be in order while 40,000 cigarettes and around 50 kilos of rolling tobacco with a combined value of £18,000 were seized at the other locations.

Clive Phillips, operations manager for Kent Trading Standards, said: “Working alongside Kent Police officers, we have removed a significant amount of illegal tobacco from shops in Maidstone as a result of information received.

“Illegal tobacco brings organised crime into the community and undermines legitimate businesses.

“Trading Standards urges anyone with concerns about illegal tobacco in their neighbourhood to report the matter.”

“These offences often attract anti-social behaviour and other types of crime...”

The enforcement teams also checked areas outside each property and in one location cigarettes were found concealed in a car boot.

Inspector Steve Kent, of the Maidstone Community Safety Unit, said: “As part of our ongoing enforcement against organised criminal groups, my officers regularly work with Trading Standards teams to identify businesses which might be involved in illegal activity, such as money laundering and the sale of illicit tobacco and counterfeit goods.

“These offences often attract anti-social behaviour and other types of crime.

“The businesses also have a detrimental impact on legitimate local traders and our inspections will continue while the Trading Standards investigation is underway.”

Shops selling illegal tobacco can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via the Stop Illegal Tobacco Hotline.