5,000 illegal cigarettes, booze and medication seized in Bedford after member of public raises alarm

Bedfordshire Police’s Licensing Team, working with Trading Standards, seized 5,000 cigarettes and a quantity of alcohol without duty paid from a property in Ampthill Road, Bedford.

The search - on Wednesday, April 21 - was the result of a concern raised by a member of the public.

Additionally, a large quantity of medication, including items available on prescription only, was found. And a pepper spray was also recovered.

PC Rob Sparkes, from the licensing team, said: “This was a successful multi-agency operation which resulted in recovering a large amount of illicit alcohol, cigarettes and medication. Selling these types of products without appropriate control and license is extremely dangerous.

“Illicit cigarettes can contain harmful chemicals, like heavy metals and mould. Additionally, prescription drugs should only be taken under medical supervision.

“We are grateful for the support from the local community. We will continue to work with our residents to ensure that products sold in our county are safe for the consumers.”

A Bedford Borough Council spokesperson said: "Our trading standards team regularly works with Bedfordshire Police in operations to keep illegal and potentially dangerous substances off our streets, and this seizure is a real victory in keeping our streets safe, in partnership with the local community.”

If you want to report suspicious behaviour you can do so online or by calling 101.