Counterfeit cigarettes

Almost a quarter of a million counterfeit cigarettes containing excessive levels of dangerous chemicals have been seized in just six months in Manchester it was revealed today.

Trading Standards officers in Manchester warned people not to buy counterfeit cigarettes, due to the serious risk they pose to health and to report any suspect sellers to them.

A tobacco and cigarette survey carried out by officers earlier this year highlights the dangers of counterfeit cigarettes, which have been found on sale across the city. Cigarettes were tested for cadmium, arsenic and lead and although each of these is found in normal cigarettes the laboratory tests have shown that the counterfeit cigarettes contained excessive amounts - 5 times more cadmium, 3 times more arsenic and 7 times more lead.

Cadmium is extremely toxic to humans affecting the kidneys and the lungs. Arsenic is also highly toxic and is a proven carcinogen in the lung and skin if inhaled or ingested. Exposure to lead can also be dangerous and chronic lead poisoning is associated with kidney damage and can affect the unborn child.

The project, which started in March 2007 is still ongoing. To date there has been 25.65 kg of counterfeit tobacco and 235,330 counterfeit cigarettes seized across the city equating to 11,500 x 20 packs approximately. The cigarettes have been found on sale in outlets in Longsight, Cheetham Hill, Whalley Range, Levenshulme and on markets in Wythenshawe and Harpurhey. Evidence also suggests they are being sold on the street.

The tell tale signs that cigarettes are counterfeit include a poor or unusual taste, the price which is cheaper than the real version, the printing on the cigarette packets is often of poorer quality and the cigarettes are not usually displayed on the gantry but under the counter.

Officers of the Trading Standards Service are revisiting all traders previously found to have counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco in their possession. Due to the serious health implications surrounding these offences, Trading Standards will not hesitate in considering any repeat offender liable for prosecution.

Councillor Neil Swannick, Executive Member for Environment said: "Buying counterfeit cigarettes is not only illegal but could potentially be very dangerous to someone's health. It is not worth saving money to damage your health by inhaling the high levels of very toxic carcinogens in these cigarettes. I would urge anyone who knows or suspects where these cigarettes are being sold to report this immediately to trading standards so that they can take the appropriate action."

Pat Karney, Manchester's smoking tsar said: "These cigarettes are highly dangerous, even more dangerous than smoking normal cigarettes. It is very concerning to think that people are prepared to put their lives at risk by buying cheaper counterfeit brands."

Dr Peter Elton, lead for tobacco control across Greater Manchester added: " It is extremely worrying that cigarettes whih contain such dangerous levels of chemicals have been sold across Greater Manchester and even more concerning that people have actually bought these and put their lives in serious danger."

The most copied counterfeit cigarettes are Super Kings, Benson & Hedges, Lambert & Butler, Camel, Embassy Number 1, Embassy Regal and Golden Virginia Tobacco.

Media contacts:

Jacqueline Meenan, Press Office, tel 0161 234 4047

Jane Woodhead, Factory Communications PR, 0151 706 9507 (Smokefree Manchester)