Undercover investigators highlight illicit tobacco trade in Gateshead

Illegal cigarettes seized as part of a raid on Tyneside could contain human faeces, rat droppings or dead flies.  A team of undercover investigators uncovered “widespread” trade in illicit tobacco on a two-day visit to Gateshead. Former Scotland Yard Detective Chief Inspector Will O’Reilly led the test purchase operation on Tuesday and Wednesday across the borough.  Since November 2011, Will has been conducting the research on behalf of Philip Morris International (PMI) – the global cigarette and tobacco company, which includes Marlboro among its products – to check on new counterfeits and to raise economic and health issues related to the black market.

 

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/undercover-investigators-highlight-illicit-tobacco-9028255