Lincolnshire Police have launched a new campaign this week, shining a spotlight on the hidden world of illicit tobacco and vape sales across the county. The initiative kicks off with a powerful YouTube video revealing the reality of these illegal operations, with further updates set to be shared throughout the week on the force’s Facebook and Nextdoor pages.

The crackdown focuses on the serious criminal activities often linked to illicit tobacco sales, particularly in the east of Lincolnshire. While these shops may appear legitimate, they are frequently a front for organised crime, including money laundering, illegal working, human trafficking, and drug supply. Many shop workers are victims of exploitation, trafficked into crime by profiteers.

As well as funding further criminality, these illegal businesses harm legitimate retailers, monopolising high street spaces and contributing to antisocial behaviour, underage sales, and drug-related offences in local communities.

The campaign also exposes the deceptive tactics used to hide illicit stock, from false walls to secret compartments. However, as shown in the body-worn video footage from Trading Standards, no hiding place goes undetected by enforcement teams.

Lincolnshire Police are working alongside Trading Standards, Lincolnshire County Council, Boston & South Holland District Councils, Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue, HM Revenue and Customs, and the Home Office Immigration Enforcement to tackle these crimes.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” said a Lincolnshire Police spokesperson. “By targeting illicit tobacco sales, we are uncovering and disrupting a much wider network of organised crime that puts our communities at risk.”

Residents are encouraged to stay informed by following Lincolnshire Police, South Holland Police, and Boston Police on Facebook and Nextdoor, where further insights and updates will be posted throughout the week.

If you have information about illegal tobacco sales or related criminal activity, you can report it anonymously via CrimeStoppers:

📞 Call: 0800 555 111
🌐 Online: CrimeStoppers UK

👉 Watch the full YouTube video.