Richard Jones says Fishponds operation seized 36,000 cigarettes — Bristol Live

bristol live reports that police, Trading Standards officials and HMRC seized around 36,000 cigarettes and tobacco during a multi-agency operation in Fishponds on Wednesday, May 13. Officers visited three stores and intercepted vehicles after acting on live intelligence about suspected contraband.

Fishponds stores and vehicles

Avon and Somerset Police, Bristol City Council's Trading Standards officials and HMRC visited three stores in the Fishponds area on Wednesday, May 13. Around 8,000 cigarettes and 10 packets of tobacco were taken from one shop, which will stay under investigation by Trading Standards.

HMRC also seized 1,500 cigarettes from a vehicle outside a shop, while police took 11,000 cigarettes from what they described as a suspicious vehicle being used as a stash car for retailers in the area. That vehicle was seized for not being taxed.

Richard Jones on the operation

Neighbourhoods’ Inspector Richard Jones said: "This was yet another successful day of action targeting businesses which are suspected to be involved in exploitation and criminality, which demonstrates our work to root out illegal operations." He added: "Acting on live intelligence, we intercepted two vehicles suspected to be carrying contraband which were seized alongside around 36,000 cigarettes and tobacco, which is part of our ongoing work to protect the public from harm, and to ensure our communities are safe places to live and work."

Later on Wednesday, HMRC seized around 20,000 more cigarettes from a vehicle seen driving away from the area. The driver was reported for driving offences, and the vehicle was also seized.

Trading Standards in Bristol

Richard Jones said: "Businesses involved in criminality is not an issue exclusive to Bristol, but it is nonetheless a problem here which we continue to hear concerns from members of the public about, and we would urge them to continue to report issues to us so we can take the necessary action to bring offenders to justice."

Chair of Bristol City Council's Public Health and Communities Committee Stephen Williams said: "We will continue to take action against the sale of illegal tobacco and non-compliant goods." He added: "They not only damage public health but also deprive health services of funding when the correct taxes are not paid."

A third shop was visited during the operation, but nothing was seized there.