Police warehouses across the UK are running out of storage space for seized illegal cigarettes as smuggling surges amid global trade shifts, a parliamentary inquiry has heard.
The escalating crisis has left authorities struggling with mounting disposal costs, particularly for vapes that require manual dismantling before destruction. Australia's booming illicit tobacco trade has already triggered a surge in cigarette seizures, with officials warning the UK faces similar pressures.
Britain's black market cigarette trade costs the economy £2.3 billion annually, according to official estimates. The inquiry heard that current storage facilities are overwhelmed as seizures increase, creating a logistical nightmare for law enforcement agencies.
MPs heard evidence that some electronic cigarettes cannot be disposed of through standard methods, requiring costly manual processing that has sent destruction fees soaring. The additional burden comes as border officials brace for increased smuggling activity driven by international market changes.
Opposition politicians have called for emergency funding to support overwhelmed law enforcement agencies, whilst industry experts warn the government needs a more robust strategy to tackle organised smuggling networks.
The crisis threatens to push up costs for legitimate retailers and consumers, with economists warning that higher enforcement expenses could drive up tobacco prices across the board.
The Home Office declined to comment on the storage crisis or outline plans to address the capacity shortage.