4,500 fake cigarettes are seized

Around 4,500 were discovered in a house in Ninfield Road following concentrated police activity in St Leonards which led to three arrests at three separate shops.

Police uncovered dozens of packs of cigarettes ,which had apparently been smuggled into the UK and many more without proper trademarks. It was a joint operation also involving Trading Standards, customs officials and the UK Borders Agency.

Alonso Ercilla of Trading Standards said the raids were a bold statement of intent.

"I hope that this operation sends out a strong message to traders that counterfeit illicit tobacco products," he said.

"We can and will act to prevent their sale."

Officials carried out the St Leonards raids at 10.45am on Wednesday, and are now searching various homes across the region as the investigation continues.

The exact value of the cigarettes recovered is not yet known, but police say it will run into tens of thousands of pounds.

Mr Ecrilla said: "Counterfeit cigarettes can harm consumers because their composition is not regulated or otherwise controlled.

"Dealing in counterfeit cigarettes also harms legitimate businesses because the cigarettes are often sold cheaply."

Three men have been arrested and bailed.