Police have seized more than £80,000 worth of illicit cigarettes in Rochdale town centre as part of a crackdown on organised crime.
Officers from Greater Manchester Police spotted two men unloading large boxes from a van into a car during patrols on Sunday 30 March. As officers approached, the van driver fled the scene, while another man was detained.
Huge Haul of Counterfeit Tobacco
Following a search, officers recovered 20 large boxes containing 500 sleeves of counterfeit cigarettes, with an estimated street value of £80,250.
A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of possessing goods bearing a false trademark and has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Police Target Organised Crime Networks
The operation forms part of Operation Tetbury, a wider multi-agency effort aimed at tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in Rochdale town centre.
Neighbourhood Sergeant Andy Toward said:
“We are committed to improving Rochdale town centre’s commercial district and targeting the trade of illicit tobacco.”
“Funds Organised Crime” Warning
Police warned that illegal tobacco is often linked to wider criminal activity.
Sergeant Toward added that the trade:
“is often used to fund organised crime” and puts public health at risk through unregulated products.
Officers also highlighted the financial impact, noting that the sale of illicit cigarettes defrauds the government by avoiding excise duty.
Crackdown Continues
Authorities say the operation has already led to multiple shop closures in the past year, with further enforcement expected.
Police have pledged to continue targeting those involved in illegal trading across Rochdale.
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