In west London, Hounslow Council with the crime-reporting charity Crimestoppers launched a campaign against illegal tobacco. An ‘It’s a drag’ poster campaign warns of the dangers and urges anyone with information to call the free, confidential, anonymous Crimestoppers hotline.
It’s prompted by a recent survey that shows that more than half of all smokers in the borough have been offered illegal cigarettes, significantly above the 37 per cent London average. Availability of illicit tobacco products is estimated to be more than three times higher in Hounslow than in the rest of the capital, says the council. The posters point to the dangers to health and the role of organised crime in the trade.
Cllr Sachin Gupta, Hounslow Council’s cabinet member for public health and leisure, says: “It’s well known that smoking is ruinously bad for your health. Less well known is that the revenue from illegal tobacco funds criminal gangs and, in some cases, groups linked to terrorism. It’s vital that residents recognise that this is not a victim-less crime and report this life-ruining trade.”
Anyone with information about illegal tobacco sales is asked to ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or report it online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
