Wiltshire Police, supported by Trading Standards and HM Revenue and Customs, seized approximately £15,500 worth of illegal tobacco during a warrant at Kubus Polski and nearby homes on Manchester Road, Broadgreen on Monday 15 June 2026.
Two men were arrested during the operation, including one who attempted to escape through an upstairs window.
Major Tobacco Seizure Officers discovered around £5,500 of illicit tobacco and cigarettes inside the premises. Additionally, a car linked to the location was found to contain about £10,000 worth of illegal tobacco. Both the store stock and the tobacco found in the vehicle were seized by authorities.
Sergeant Winter from Swindon Central South Neighbourhood Policing Team highlighted the serious health risks posed by the illicit products due to the absence of quality control and the presence of banned chemicals. He emphasised the dangers to public health and the ongoing risks associated with illegal tobacco sales.
Police also noted connections between illicit tobacco sales and serious crimes such as child exploitation, people trafficking, and illegal working. Authorities have pledged to continue their crackdown efforts to eliminate organised crime in the Swindon area.
Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Safety and Services, Councillor Matt Hinton, welcomed the operation. He stressed that illicit tobacco funds organised crime and harms legitimate businesses, reinforcing the importance of enforcement action.
Originally published by UKNIP.
