Illegal tobacco is being sold on North Nottinghamshire’s high streets.
It’s damaging the local economy, burdening retailers, and bringing crime to your community.
The scale of the problem
In Ashfield, illegal tobacco is already doing damage.
41%
of stores visited in Hucknall, Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Hyson Green were found to be selling illegal tobacco.[1]
of people surveyed in North Nottinghamshire believe the increase in tobacco taxes will increase the demand for illegal tobacco.[2]
of North Nottinghamshire residents surveyed believe raising prices and taxes on legal tobacco are pushing people in their local area towards criminal behaviour, such as buying illegal tobacco.[2]
of North Nottinghamshire residents surveyed said they were likely to turn to cheaper illegal alternatives if the price of legal tobacco continues to rise.[2]
The impact on your community
Illegal tobacco isn't a victimless crime. It's a visible sign that something is broken. An undercover operative visited 17 independent retailers that sell tobacco products in Hucknall, Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Hyson Green and found that illegal tobacco was being sold in 41% of those stores, with counterfeit tobacco being kept in multiple locations, including back rooms, beneath counters and in cars parked nearby.[1]
This is not an isolated or marginal problem. It points to illegal trade operating openly and at scale within the local area.
Who really benefits
The damage goes far beyond someone trying to save a few pounds. The illegal tobacco trade is dominated by organised crime gangs, often operating across borders and involved in other serious crimes, including exploitation and trafficking.[3]
- 72% of North Nottinghamshire residents surveyed were very concerned with the impacts of organised crime, including those affected by human trafficking and exploitation.[2]
A problem residents feel and notice
Taken together, the picture in Ashfield is clear. Illegal tobacco is:
- Threatening the survival of local businesses
- Fuelling organised crime[2]
- Damaging the local economy
Want to take action on the issue of illegal tobacco?
Download our template letter to urge your MP to take action against illegal tobacco harming businesses and communities.
Email address:
IT'S TIME TO SHUT IT DOWN.
Seen something suspicious?
You don't need to confront anyone.
You can report it anonymously, quickly and safely.
If you're aware of anybody selling illegal tobacco you should report this using the anonymous form above, or by contacting HM Revenue & Customs' Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887, Trading Standards (through the Citizens Advice consumer helpline) on 0808 223 1133 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Download our illegal tobacco factsheet
Our research shows a clear consensus: people want action on illegal tobacco.
[1] Test purchasing was conducted by trained undercover operatives commissioned by JTI UK . A total of 17 independent retailers that sell tobacco products were visited in North Nottinghamshire in December 2025.
[2] This data is based on an online survey that was conducted for JTI by an independent British Polling Council accredited research agency between January 7 and January 29 2026, involving a sample of 15,228 UK adults aged 19 and over. To ensure the findings are representative of the UK general population, the data was weighted by age, gender and region. The data for the Ashfield district was collected from 72 adults in North Nottinghamshire, the ITL3 region in which Ashfield is located.
[3] HM Revenue & Customs & Border Force. (2024, January 29). Stubbing out the problem: A new strategy to tackle illicit tobacco. GOV.UK. Updated March 1, 2024.