Undercover sting catches Birmingham shops selling illegal tobacco from just £4

Illegal tobacco is being sold openly by independent retailers across Birmingham , it has been revealed. Recent test purchases by experts in Ladywood, Hodge Hill and Solihull found that more than half of the independent shops had 'illegal' tobacco. In Ladywood, 53% of shops were discovered to be selling illegal tobacco products.

In Hodge Hill & Solihull, 37% were discovered to be doing so, with all illicit tobacco products being hidden behind or beneath the counter.

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: I used pothole detector on Midlands 'safest roads' and results were surprising Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp , click the link to join The illegal tobacco products included counterfeit Amber Leaf hand-rolling tobacco, with some 30g pouches being sold for as little as £

4. By comparison, the recommended retail price of a legal 30g pouch of Amber Leaf is £27.
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6. Other illegal tobacco brands on sale include Minsk, originating from Belarus, and Topgun, as well as Benson & Hedges.

Recent research conducted this year reveals that 68% of Birmingham residents surveyed are worried about the effect of illicit tobacco in their local area. Nearly a quarter (23%) state they are very likely to reach out to their MP or councillor regarding the issue.

However, 66% express concern about potential backlash from reporting unlawful sales. Simultaneously, two-thirds believe that increased tobacco taxes drive individuals towards the black market, whilst 51% suspect the trade provides jobs for illegal workers locally. Illicit tobacco results in more than £2 billion in total tax losses each year for the UK.

From 1 October 2026, smokers will be hit with a double tobacco duty hike, with the usual annual RPI plus 2% tobacco uplift applied alongside a one-off additional increase on cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco, introduced with the new vaping products duty. Government data indicates that the one-off increase alone will add £1.21 to a pack of 20 cigarettes and £2.54 to a 30g pouch, causing a steep price rise that risks driving more consumers towards the black market. All evidence collected from the test purchases will be passed to Trading Standards and HM Revenue & Customs, it has been understood.