More Than 3,000 Packets of Illicit Cigarettes Seized From Paddock Wood Shop

More than 3,000 packets of illicit cigarettes have been seized from a shop in Commercial Road, Paddock Wood, after local officers executed a warrant following information that untaxed tobacco was being sold from inside the premises.

Kent Police were joined by Kent Trading Standards for the operation, carried out earlier this month. Officers found the tobacco hidden within makeshift hides as well as storage areas within the property — the kind of concealment that points to a deliberate, ongoing operation rather than a one-off attempt to dodge duty on a personal stash.

A 34-year-old man from Tunbridge Wells was arrested following the seizure and has since been released on bail until 1 December 2026 while further enquiries continue.

Detective Inspector Lisa Featherstone said: "The sale of illicit cigarettes and tobacco poses a serious health risk to consumers and also hinders law abiding businesses. Kent Police will continue to carry out proactive operations to stamp out the trade in unregulated tobacco and ensure those responsible are held to account for their actions." Source: Kent Police