County council organises events to crack down on illegal tobacco
Hampshire County Council has organised the events, which will raise awareness of the trade but also ask for the public to help stop the illegal sales.
They will be held across the county, including in Havant and Portchester.
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Hide AdCouncillor Patricia Stallard, the council’s executive member for public health, said: ‘The sale of illegal tobacco is a serious criminal offence.
‘Far from being a victimless crime, illegal tobacco helps fund organised crime and can make it even more difficult for those trying to give up smoking.
‘These criminal activities severely damage the local economy and legitimate traders by gaining a competitive advantage at their expense, and taking trade away from genuine hard-working businesses.’
The roadshows will be between 9am and 3.30pm in Tesco Extra car park, in Havant, on Monday, February 12 and at Portchester market on Wednesday, February 14.