Illegal tobacco is being sold on high streets in Clacton.
It’s damaging the local economy, burdening retailers, and bringing crime to your community.
The impact on your community
40%
of independent stores selling tobacco products visited in Clacton were found to be selling illegal tobacco.[1]
Illegal tobacco isn't a victimless crime. It's a visible sign that something is broken. An undercover operative visited 25 independent retailers that sell tobacco products in Clacton and found that illegal tobacco was being sold in 40% of those stores.[1]
This is not an isolated or marginal problem. It points to illegal trade operating openly within the local area.
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The Scale of the Problem
Across the county, illegal tobacco is already doing damage.
of people surveyed in Essex are concerned about the damage illegal tobacco is causing to local businesses.[2]
of people surveyed in Essex believe politicians are not doing enough to tackle illegal tobacco trading.[2]
of people surveyed in Essex believe there is not enough enforcement to stop illegal tobacco sales.[2]
Organised crime is the real winner
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]
- 95% of people surveyed in Essex are concerned illegal tobacco is supporting the funding of organised crime.[2]
A problem residents feel and notice
Taken together, the picture is clear.
Illegal tobacco is:
- Threatening the survival of local businesses
- Fuelling organised crime
- Damaging the local economy
Throughout 2026, undercover operatives are visiting stores across the UK to understand the scale of illegal tobacco on your high street.
Want to help put a stop to the illegal tobacco trade?
Download our template letter to urge your MP to take action against illegal tobacco harming businesses and communities. Find out who to contact here.
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 25 independent retailers that sell tobacco products were visited in Clacton, Essex in March 2026.
[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 Essex was collected from 449 adults living in the ITL2 classified Essex area.
[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.
£2bn figure based on HMRC's tax gap estimates for Excise Duty and VAT losses 2022 – 2023 https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20250501185902/https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/measuring-tax-gaps (select the table for 2024 and go to table 3.7. See lines 6 and 7 combined for 2022-2023). Live clock counter number based on this source.