A million illegal cigarettes and cash were seized in King's Lynn yesterday as part of a joint operation between Norfolk police and Norfolk County Council trading standards.
A 37-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the find and was questioned at King's Lynn Police Investigation Centre. He has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
The illegal cigarettes have an estimated street value of £500,000 and were seized in a series of raids from a number of locations in London Road and Norfolk Street.
A large amount of cash was also seized during the operation. Officers found tens of thousands hidden in a vaccuum cleaner.
The action follows an investigation targeting the importation and sale of illegal tobacco.
Supt Dave Buckley, local policing commander for King's Lynn and West Norfolk, said: 'This result highlights our commitment to work with partners to target criminal activity, including those involved in organised crime.'
Margaret Dewsbury, chairman of Norfolk County Council's communities committee said: 'The raids are part of our ongoing campaign, working with partners, to tackle the supply of illegal tobacco in Norfolk. The people that sell illegal tobacco put our youngest residents at risk because they are selling harmful goods at 'pocket money' prices. Sellers of illegal tobacco may be involved in other criminal activity, including organised crime.
'Hopefully these raids will raise awareness about our campaign and we would encourage Norfolk residents to come forward with any information they may have about illegal tobacco sold in their communities.'
Norfolk County Council Trading Standards are always ready to respond to any intelligence they receive.
Residents can provide information by calling the Citizens Advice Consumer helpline (anonymously if you wish) on 03454 04 05 06 or via their online form at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer or by calling 101 (use 999 in an emergency).
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