Two suitcases containing suspected counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco were found in an abandoned car after police officers noticed it being driven suspiciously during a targeted operation in Spalding.
The discovery came as police and Trading Standards officials visited seven barber shops and retail premises in Spalding and the surrounding area on Saturday, August 22. A specialist tobacco detection dog supported the operation.
Officers said no evidence of criminal activity was identified inside any of the stores inspected. However, a vehicle seen during the operation drew attention when its driver allegedly committed a number of road traffic offences while temporarily evading police.
Vehicle abandoned on Chancery Court
The driver left the vehicle, which was later found abandoned on Chancery Court. Officers discovered two large suitcases containing suspected counterfeit cigarettes inside the car. Trading Standards said the items were found on the back seat and in the boot.
The vehicle was also seized after checks suggested it might not have been covered by valid insurance. Police have asked the owner to come forward and contact Spalding’s Neighbourhood Policing Team by email to begin the recovery process.
“Barber shops and retail premises across South Holland have been visited by officers and Trading Standards as part of a targeted operation.”
“On Saturday August 22, assisted by a specialist tobacco detection dog, officers visited seven premises in the Spalding and surrounding areas.”
A South Holland Police spokesman said the searches had been carried out as part of a targeted, multi-agency operation. The spokesman added that the inspected stores had not produced evidence of criminality at the time of the visits.
“Pleasingly, at the time of the visits, no evidence of criminality was identified within the stores inspected.”
The spokesman said officers had observed a vehicle being driven suspiciously at one location. The driver then drove away, temporarily evading police, while allegedly committing several road traffic offences.
“A short while later, the vehicle was found abandoned on Chancery Court, having apparently parted company with its owner.”
The police spokesman also appealed directly to the absent owner to contact the neighbourhood team if they wanted to be reunited with the vehicle.
“If you’ve recently misplaced a vehicle and are wondering where it might have gone, we may be able to help.”
Trading Standards concerned by quantity of tobacco
Andy Wright, Trading Standards principal Trading Standard officer, said officials became concerned when they found a suitcase in plain view on the rear passenger seat. The tobacco detection dog indicated that the vehicle contained high-value items.
“When we found the vehicle we were concerned that there was a suitcase in plain view on the rear passenger seat.”
Mr Wright said the car window had to be broken to safeguard the contents. He said the two suitcases contained large quantities of illegal cigarettes and tobacco, and asked the driver to contact Trading Standards to discuss the matter.
“We currently have two suitcases containing large quantities of illegal cigarettes and tobacco that were found on the back seat and boot.”
“We are concerned by the number of cigarettes and tobacco the driver had in his possession. I ask him to contact us so that we can discuss matters further.”
Police say joint work will continue
South Holland’s neighbourhood policing sergeant Callum Corder said joint operations involving police and partner agencies were important for identifying and disrupting criminal activity, protecting vulnerable people and addressing issues raised by local residents.
“Multi-agency operations like this are vital in helping us keep our communities safe.”
He said the operation sent a clear message that criminal behaviour would not be tolerated and helped make local neighbourhoods safer places to live, work and visit.
The police account said the owner of the seized vehicle should contact Spalding’s Neighbourhood Policing Team using the email address provided in the original appeal. The source did not give the vehicle’s make or registration, identify the driver, state whether anyone had been arrested, or confirm any charges resulting from the discovery.