Illegal tobacco is being sold on high streets in Leeds.
It’s damaging the local economy, burdening retailers, and bringing crime to your community.
The scale of the problem
In Leeds, illegal tobacco is already doing damage.
50%
of independent stores selling tobacco visited in Leeds were found to be selling illegal tobacco.[1]
of people surveyed in Leeds believe politicians are not doing enough to tackle illegal tobacco trading.[2]
of Leeds residents surveyed believe that there is not enough enforcement to stop illegal tobacco sales.[2]
of people surveyed in Leeds believe the increase in tobacco taxes will increase the demand for illegal tobacco.[2]
of Leeds residents surveyed believe illegal tobacco is a serious national issue tied to organised crime and public safety threats.[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 30 independent retailers that sell tobacco products in Leeds West & Pudsey and found that illegal tobacco was being sold in 50% of those stores, with counterfeit tobacco being kept in multiple locations, including back rooms and beneath counters.[1]
This is not an isolated or marginal problem. It points to illegal trade operating openly and at scale within the local area.
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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]
- 78% of Leeds 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 Leeds is clear. Illegal tobacco is:
- Threatening the survival of local businesses
- Fuelling organised crime
- Damaging the local economy
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 30 independent retailers that sell tobacco products were visited in Leeds West & Pudsey in February 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 Leeds was collected from 212 adults living in the ITL3 classified Leeds 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.