Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards team has seized almost 20,000 counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes and over 15 kilograms of illegal tobacco following a series of coordinated raids on retail premises across the county.
The operation, carried out on 28 September as part of Operation CeCe, a national campaign to tackle illicit tobacco funded by HMRC and delivered through National Trading Standards, targeted shops suspected of selling unregulated products.
Specialist tobacco detection dogs accompanied officers, helping to uncover contraband hidden behind false walls, inside till points, and in storerooms.
In total, officers confiscated 18,980 illegal cigarettes, 6.8kg of hand-rolling tobacco, and 8.6kg of waterpipe tobacco (shisha), with an estimated street value of £10,000. Other items seized included 120 nicotine pouches and 263 disposable vapes.
Concealed Stock and Organised Evasion
One store was found to have a sophisticated concealment system operated by electromagnets, designed to hide stock from inspection and detection dogs.
At three other premises, tobacco was illegally displayed in public view, and staff at three sites were unable to name the business owner, raising further compliance concerns.
Investigations are now underway, and the premises involved could face criminal prosecution and financial penalties under strengthened national enforcement powers.
“We will continue to crack down”
Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said:
“Our Trading Standards team will continue to crack down on the sale of illegal tobacco and cause the maximum disruption possible to criminal networks.
People can help us create a healthier and safer Oxfordshire by being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity using the illegal tobacco hotline.”
Jody Kerman, the council’s Head of Prevention, Protection and Trading Standards, warned that illicit tobacco sales are often linked to wider organised crime:
“Make no mistake, organised criminals are using illegal tobacco to raise cash, which funds serious crime.
We urge the public not to support them. And for anyone wanting to quit smoking, support is available, services like Smokefree Oxfordshire are free and can triple your chances of success.”
National Crackdown: Operation CeCe
Operation CeCe, launched in 2021, is a joint initiative between HMRC and National Trading Standards, responsible for removing more than 27 million illegal cigarettes and 7,500kg of tobacco from circulation in its first two years.
New tougher sanctions, introduced under the Finance Act 2022, allow fines of up to £10,000 for anyone selling illicit tobacco, while Trading Standards officers can refer repeat offenders to HMRC for further investigation and prosecution.
Nis Bandara, Deputy Director for Excise and Environmental Taxes at HMRC, said:
“Trade in illicit tobacco costs the Exchequer over £2 billion a year, harms local businesses and undermines public health. These new sanctions strengthen our response and act as a deterrent to those trying to undercut legitimate retailers.”
Public Health and Consumer Safety
The sale of illicit tobacco poses significant risks:
- It undermines regulated smoking cessation efforts.
- Products often contain higher levels of tar and toxic substances.
- Packaging bypasses statutory health warnings and child safety regulations.
- Sales frequently target underage customers.
Residents are urged to report illegal tobacco by calling the Illegal Tobacco Hotline on 0300 999 6 999 or submitting an anonymous report at stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk.
Anyone wishing to quit smoking can contact Smokefree Oxfordshire for free, confidential support.
Operation CeCe By the Numbers
- 18,980 cigarettes seized in Oxfordshire raids (September 2025)
- 15.4kg total of illegal tobacco products recovered
- £10,000 estimated street value
- 120 nicotine pouches and 263 illegal vapes confiscated
- 27 million illicit cigarettes seized nationwide under Operation CeCe since 2021
