FOUR months after a public appeal for information about illegal cigarette sellers, trading standards officials have carried out raids across the North-East.

Since the appeal was made in June, the Crimestoppers phone line has had 40 tip-offs from people about the location of illegal cigarette traders.

Prosecutions are under way and could lead to heavy fines or even prison sentences, and more raids are planned.

Last night, Richard Ferry, from the North-East Trading Standards Assocation, said: “We have had a very good response from members of the public, which has allowed us to take a number of enforcement actions. We would like to thank the public for their help and ask them to keep up the good work.”

So far, most of the properties raided have been in urban areas of Teesside, Tyneside and Wearside, but illegal cigarette traders have also been targeted in smaller towns such as Easington and Seaham, County Durham, and Blyth, Northumberland.

More tip-offs have been received about dealers in Stockton than any other area.

The campaign, launched by Fresh Smoke Free North- East, with the backing of police, trading standards and revenue officers, used billboards, buses, radio adverts and information packs to highlight the booming trade in illegal cigarettes.

Many smuggled or counterfeit cigarettes are sold on housing estates by members of the public.

Much cheaper than legal cigarettes, the smuggled or counterfeit versions often find their way into the hands of under-18s.

Impressed by the ongoing campaign to reduce tobacco use in the North-East, officials from Cyprus are due to visit the North-East in December to hear how Fresh has managed to reduce smoking rates and step up the battle against illegal tobacco.

Mr Ferry said Fresh would press Cypriot authorities to take stronger action against counterfeit cigarette factories on the island.

■ To report illegal tobacco trade, call Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.