Man arrested with around £4,000 of illicit tobacco in Ipswich

Why it matters: Ipswich Police described the arrest as "another positive result" for the Town Centre Team, and say the trade in illicit tobacco funds wider organised crime and exploitation.

The details: On Tuesday afternoon, PC Logan from the Ipswich Community Policing Team received what police described as "live information" that a shop in the town centre was selling illegal cigarettes from under the counter.

• PC Logan attended the shop alongside the Town Centre Team.
• As officers approached the front of the shop, PC Muttock was already waiting at the rear.
• Police say that "almost immediately", a man ran straight out of the back door carrying a large suitcase full of illicit tobacco, estimated to be worth "in the region of £4,000".
• The man was arrested and the tobacco was seized. Police said on Tuesday evening that he was in custody awaiting an interview.

What's next: The investigation was due to be passed to trading standards on Wednesday morning, with police saying they were "looking to take the strongest possible action on this store".

What they're saying: Ipswich Police said: "Illicit tobacco is more than just 'cheap cigarettes', it funds wider organised crime and exploitation, and we will continue to take strong action against any premises which are found selling it."

The bottom line: A man who ran out of a shop's back door with a suitcase of illicit tobacco was swiftly arrested, with police now seeking the strongest possible action against the shop.

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