Illegal cigarettes sold to children in Rotherham
From: Rotherham Advertiser
Published by: Phil Turner
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.”
