QUARTER of a million illegal cigarettes have been seized from two shipping containers near to Mortimer Road in Hereford.

In a joint operation between Herefordshire Council Trading Standards and the police, the cigarettes were found in connection with a raid on two shops in Hereford.

Following a expedited licence review by the council's Regulatory Sub Committee, Supersam in Eign Street and Mila Convenience Store in Belmont Road have had their alcohol licences suspended, which are run by Heman Jamal.

On November 22 a joint police and council operation took place at Supersam following intelligence provided over the sale of illegal non-uk duty paid smuggled and counterfeit cigarettes.

Vodka and tobacco were found in a flat above the shop and seized, and police linked the owner to two shipping containers near to Mortimer Road.

On searching the containers, a large amount of foreign brand tobacco products was found- in the region of 240,000 cigarettes, the vast majority of which were hidden in boxes containing BBQ units.

Officers also searched Mila Convenience Store and seized tobacco from behind the shop counter and from the flat above the shop.

Two men found at the shop were arrested for immigration offences and offences connected to trade marking and counterfeit goods.

Called an expedited review, the application starts a fast-track process towards a full review of a licence which will take place on December 15.

David Hough, trading standards service manager, said: "All tobacco is harmful but illegal tobacco makes it easier for children to start smoking and get hooked. Sellers rarely care who they sell to. Fewer people are buying illegal tobacco and fewer people are now prepared to turn a blind eye to it. People can make a real difference to help keep more illegal tobacco off the streets by reporting it. We need to keep the pressure up on those who continue to sell it.”

Trading standards are making further enquiries regarding the illegal tobacco as the investigation continues.

If anyone has any information regarding the sale of illegal tobacco within Herefordshire, please contact Trading Standards on 01432 261761.

Further information about Herefordshire trading standards, and how to report a trading standards issue, can be found online: www.herefordshire.gov.uk/trading-standards