Illegal cigarettes sold to children in Rotherham

HEALTH bosses have launched a campaign warning smokers about the dangers of fake fags  which can contain rat droppings and floor sweepings.

Shoppers were shown a reconstruction of the filthy living conditions where illegally trafficked people -including children ¬¬- are forced into making the illicit cigarettes.

One in five Rotherham smokers have bought fake cigs in the past, with younger ones buying them because they can be half the price of proper brands.

Rotherham’s public health director Dr John Radford said: “These cheap cigarettes are extremely harmful to those who smoke them and our communities.

“Smoking is well known to cause a number of serious health problems and all cigarettes contain more than 4,000 toxins.

“But fake cigarettes can also contain animal excrement and floor sweepings. This danger is particularly relevant to young people, who are still growing and developing.”

Breathing in toxins from smoking can damage lungs and lead to long-term illnesses.

All tobacco is dangerous, can damage kids lives and lead to early death. One in two smokers die early.

The campaign launched by Rotherham Borough Council warns people that the illegal trade can fund organised crime in Britain and terrorism in other countries.

Dr Radford added: “Children are buying and smoking these cigarettes and the proceeds go to fund terror groups abroad and organised drug dealing gangs here in Yorkshire.

“People need to consider that when they smoke, their money is being used to support terrorist organisations abroad and destroying families and childhoods here in the UK.”

About 10,000 fake cigs worth 3,000 were confiscated from Eastwood, Wellgate and Clifton in June.

A survey in 2012 found more than half of discarded fag packets in Rotherham were imported, counterfeit or smuggled.

Anyone with information about illegal cigarettes is asked to report it to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or at www.stopcigsforkids.co.uk.