HRM Revenue and Customs visit Barnsley | Date: 06.11.2006
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Representatives from HM Revenue and Customs are meeting members of the Smoke Free Barnsley group on Monday 6th November to see how they can work together to crack down on the sales of counterfeit cigarettes across the borough.
Smuggled and counterfeit cigarette sales are fast becoming a serious problem in Barnsley. Counterfeit cigarettes can be dangerous. The public may think they are getting a good deal buying cheap cigarettes but apart from funding criminal activity they are playing a dangerous lottery with their health. Counterfeit cigarettes can contain dangerous chemicals such as arsenic and lead, which are lethal substances and pose a serious health risk.
Lynsey Japp, Smoke Free Barnsley Co-ordinator said: "We are extremely concerned about the increased health risks of smoking these cigarettes, particularly when we know that these are often the ones that children and young people are buying from friends, neighbours and relatives."
John Kinghorn, HM Revenue and Customs head of detection for northern England, said "If someone you know is selling cheap cigarettes in their local pub, club or workplace then it is likely that the goods have been illegally smuggled and could even be dangerous fakes. The public can call us in confidence on our confidential hotline 0800 59 5000"<< Current News
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