AN INVESTIGATION continues following the seizure of around 200,000 counterfeit cigarettes in Wrexham, trading standards chiefs have said.

The Leader reported on Thursday how thousands of pounds worth of counterfeit tobacco and cigarettes were seized in Wrexham.

A Wrexham Trading Standards spokesman said: "Yesterday’s seizure of illegal tobacco in Wrexham is part of an ongoing campaign across Wales tackling the supply of cheap illegal tobacco.

"Trading Standards Officers from Wrexham Council, working in partnership with a national specialist Trading Standards team and with North Wales Police on 'Operation Cece' targeted a number of premises where illegal tobacco was recovered.

"The most significant haul was found with the assistance of tobacco detection dogs at a self storage facility in the town.

"Approximately 200,000 cigarettes were seized with a street value of about £50,000. This is a live investigation and enquiries are ongoing.

"Over 5,000 people die every year in Wales of a smoking related disease and 1 in 2 long term smokers will die as a direct consequence of their habit.

"The availability of illegal tobacco in our communities is a significant threat to health.

"It’s low price and availability makes it harder for existing smokers to quit and makes it easier for children to acquire a lifelong addiction.

"All tobacco is harmful but illegal tobacco makes it easier for children to start smoking and get hooked. Sellers rarely care who they sell to.

"Fewer people are buying illegal tobacco and fewer people are now prepared to turn a blind eye to it. People can make a real difference to help keep illegal tobacco off the streets by reporting it. We need to keep up the pressure on those who sell it."

Illegal tobacco means cigarettes and rolling tobacco that is available to purchase at about half the normal cost of tobacco.

It is typically sold online and through social media, from private houses in the community as well as under the counter at some convenience stores and in the workplace.

The low price and easy availability of illegal tobacco makes it much easier for children to get cigarettes and begin a lifelong addiction.

You can report illegal tobacco anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit http://crimestoppers-uk.org.

If you want to quit smoking, call Help Me Quit on freephone 0800 085 2219 or visit https://www.helpmequit.wales/