There is an illegal tobacco problem in Wales.
It's damaging the local economy, burdening retailers, and bringing crime to your community.
96%
of people surveyed in Wales are concerned about the impact of illegal tobacco on crime in local communities.[1]
An undercover operative visited 44 independent retailers that sell tobacco products in Wales and found that illegal tobacco was being sold in 43% of those stores.[2]
Want to help put a stop to the illegal tobacco trade?
Access our template email to urge your MS to take action against illegal tobacco harming businesses and communities. Find out who to contact here.
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Cheap packs. Serious consequences.
That discounted pack of cigarettes being sold from a market stall or slipped across a shop counter isn't just a tax dodge. It's connected to something far more dangerous.
The illegal tobacco trade in Wales, as across the UK, is controlled by organised criminal networks involved in drug smuggling, violent crime, and the exploitation of vulnerable people.[3]
The profits don't stay in the community. They fund more crime.
Welsh retailers are suffering.
Honest retailers across Wales are being undercut by criminals who pay no tax and face little consequence. Almost 90% of the price of a legal pack of cigarettes is tax[4]. Criminals pay none of it, which means they sell tobacco at prices no legal business can match.
Jobs are being lost. High streets are emptying out. Local communities are suffering. Money that should be reinvested across the country is lining the pockets of organised criminals instead.
The scale of the problem
28%
of those surveyed in Wales have been offered illegal tobacco products.[1]
Illegal tobacco hotspots
In August 2026, test purchasing commissioned by JTI UK found that 8 out of 20 independent retailers that sell tobacco visited (40%) sold illegal tobacco products to undercover investigators.[2]
In August 2026, test purchasing commissioned by JTI UK found that 11 out of 24 independent retailers that sell tobacco visited (46%) sold illegal tobacco products to undercover investigators.[2]
REGIONAL MEDIA COVERAGE
This isn't a marginal issue. It's a serious economic and social problem - and it's happening on Welsh high streets right now.
The public want action
of people surveyed in Wales believe there is not enough enforcement to stop illegal tobacco sales.[1]
of people surveyed in Wales believe politicians are not doing enough to tackle illegal tobacco.[1]
The message is clear - there is a widespread lack of confidence that the problem is being taken seriously.
Want to help put a stop to the illegal tobacco trade?
Access our template email to urge your MS 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.
Throughout 2026, undercover operatives are visiting stores across the UK to understand the scale of illegal tobacco on your high street.
[1] This data is based on an online survey that was conducted for JTI UK 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 Wales was collected from 720 adults living in the ITL1 classified Wales area, of which 242 were smokers.
[2] Test purchasing was conducted by trained undercover operatives commissioned by JTI UK. A total of 44 independent retailers that sell tobacco products were visited in Wales on the 5th and 6th of August 2026.
[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.
[4] Tax accounts for 87% of the recommended retail price (as of 1st October 2026) of Mayfair Gold cigarettes, with 70% being excise and the remainder VAT.
£1.7bn figure based on HMRC's tax gap estimates for Excise Duty and VAT losses 2024 - 2025. Measuring_tax_gap_online_tables_2026.xlsx (select the table for 2026 and go to table 3.4 See lines 8 and 9 combined for 2024-2025).