Illegal tobacco is being sold on Birmingham’s high streets.
It’s damaging the local economy, burdening retailers, and bringing crime to your community.
The scale of the problem
In Birmingham, illegal tobacco is already doing damage.
44%
of independent stores selling tobacco products visited in Birmingham were found to be selling illegal tobacco.[1]
of people surveyed in Birmingham believe politicians are not doing enough to tackle illegal tobacco trading.[2]
of Birmingham residents surveyed believe raising prices and taxes on legal tobacco are pushing people in their local area towards criminal behaviour such as buying illegal tobacco.[2]
of Birmingham residents surveyed believe that there is not enough enforcement to stop illegal tobacco sales.[2]
The impact on your community
Illegal tobacco isn't a victimless crime. It's a visible sign that something is broken. An undercover operative visited 67 independent retailers that sell tobacco products in Birmingham and found that illegal tobacco was being sold in 44% of those stores.[1]
This is not an isolated or marginal problem. It points to illegal trade operating openly within the local area.
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Who really benefits
The damage goes far beyond someone trying to save a few pounds.
The illegal tobacco trade is dominated by organised crime gangs, often operating across borders and involved in other serious crimes, including exploitation and trafficking.[3]
- 67% of Birmingham residents surveyed were very concerned with the impacts of organised crime, including those affected by human trafficking and exploitation.[2]
A problem residents feel and notice
Taken together, the picture in Birmingham is clear. Illegal tobacco is:
- Threatening the survival of local businesses
- Fuelling organised crime
- Damaging the local economy
Want to help put a stop to the illegal tobacco trade?
Download our template letter to urge your MP to take action against illegal tobacco harming businesses and communities. Find out who to contact here.
IT'S TIME TO SHUT IT DOWN.
Seen something suspicious?
You don't need to confront anyone.
You can report it anonymously, quickly and safely.
If you're aware of anybody selling illegal tobacco you should report this using the anonymous form above, or by contacting HM Revenue & Customs' Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887, Trading Standards (through the Citizens Advice consumer helpline) on 0808 223 1133 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Download our illegal tobacco factsheet
Our research shows a clear consensus: people want action on illegal tobacco.
1] Test purchasing was conducted by trained undercover operatives commissioned by JTI UK. A total of 32 independent retailers that sell tobacco products were visited in Birmingham Ladywood in December 2025 and a total of 35 independent retailers that sell tobacco products were visited in Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North in February 2026.
[2] This data is based on an online survey that was conducted for JTI by an independent British Polling Council accredited research agency between January 7 and January 29 2026, involving a sample of 15,228 UK adults aged 19 and over. To ensure the findings are representative of the UK general population, the data was weighted by age, gender and region. The data for Birmingham was collected from 363 adults living in the ITL3 classified Birmingham area.
[3] HM Revenue & Customs & Border Force. (2024, January 29). Stubbing out the problem: A new strategy to tackle illicit tobacco. GOV.UK. Updated March 1, 2024.