A campaign to stub out black market tobacco has been launched by Hounslow council and Crimestoppers.

The 'It's a Drag' poster campaign warns people of the hard-hitting dangers of buying illegal cigarettes and urges people to report any criminals involved in the illicit trade in a fight for a cleaner community.

The crackdown follows a recent survey which revealed more than half of all smokers in the borough have been offered illegal cigarettes, substantially higher than the 37% London average.

Availability of cheap knock-off cigarettes is estimated to be three times higher in Hounslow than the rest of London.

The poster highlights how the sale of dodgy fags funds more than just a habit with the role it plays in organised crimes, such as criminal gangs, as well as the dangers to health.

Hounslow council and Crimstoppers poster campaign to stub out illegal tobacco trade

Councillor Sachin Gupta, Hounslow council's cabinet member for public health and leisure, said: "It’s well-known that smoking is ruinously bad for your health.

"Less well-known is that the revenue from illegal tobacco funds criminal gangs and, in some cases, groups linked to terrorism.

"It's vital that residents recognise that this is not a victim-less crime and report this life-ruining trade."

Illegal tobacco is known to encourage children and young people to take up smoking.

Smoking illegal tobacco causes increased health risks as it can contain very high levels of tar, nicotine, lead and many other dangerous chemicals.

According to Crimestoppers, in some cases black market cigarettes have been found to contain traces of rat droppings and asbestos. If you know about illegal tobacco sales in your area call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Crimestoppers guide on how to spot illegal tobacco:

Smuggled tobacco

These are 'new' brands of cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco – also known as ‘cheap whites’. Cheap whites cannot legitimately be brought into or sold in the UK.

How to spot them:

  • Unrecognisable names, eg: Jin Ling, Raquel, Gold Classic, Richman, Capital, Camelford
  • Foreign language health warning
  • No picture in the health warning
  • Unusual taste or smell
  • Prices usually less than £3.50 for a pack of 20

Bootlegged tobacco

These are premium well-known tobacco brands from countries where tax is lower than the UK. They are illegally brought into the UK and sold without payment of UK duty and tax.

How to spot them:

  • Popular brands such as Marlboro or Superkings
  • Foreign language health warnings
  • Prices usually less than £3.50 for a pack of 20

Counterfeit tobacco

Popular brands which have been reproduced in large quantities and made to look like the real thing.

How to spot them:

  • Popular brands such as Lambert & Butler, Marlboro and Benson & Hedges
  • Foreign language / discoloured background on health warning
  • No picture in the health warning
  • Inferior paper, ink, card and glue may be noticeable
  • Printing errors, incorrect typeface, spelling mistakes
  • Unusual taste or smell
  • Prices usually less than £3.50 for a pack of 20