Illegal tobacco, smuggled into the country by organised criminal gangs is sold from homes, shops and even pubs across every community in Wales.
Despite tireless work by Trading Standards team, the trade in counterfeit cigarettes is thriving, with 15% of all the tobacco consumed in Wales being illegal, the highest proportion in the UK.
This No Smoking Day, we will be shining a spotlight on Wales’ illegal tobacco trade, meeting those tackling it on the front line and hearing about its impact on our communities at an event in Wrexham’s Queen’s Square.
Taking part in the event from 11am to 2pm on Wednesday March 11 will be Wagtail, who will be bringing along their team of expertly trained sniffer dogs to give a demonstration of how they sniff out hauls of illegal tobacco.
Teams of Trading Standards officers from Wrexham Council who will be on hand to give advice about illegal tobacco and take information from the public. Officers from the North Wales Fire Service will speak to the public about the fire risks of illegal tobacco and representatives from Public Health Wales and local pharmacies will talk to smokers about the best ways to quit. If you would like to find out more email diana@ashwales.org.uk.
