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Large haul of illegal tobacco uncovered in West Yorkshire raids
Authorities in West Yorkshire have confiscated more than a million illicit cigarettes following coordinated searches at multiple locations across the county. The operation, involving police, Trading Standards and tax officials, focused partly on residential addresses and led to the recovery of cash believed to be linked to organised criminal activity.
Officials said the action forms part of a wider effort to disrupt the supply of unlawful tobacco. Residents have been urged to report suspected illegal sales as enforcement agencies continue their investigations.
Source: BBC News, 4 February 2026
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Community pharmacies urged to lead national stop-smoking service
A report funded by pharmaceutical company Pfizer and produced by the Company Chemists’ Association claims a nationally commissioned smoking cessation service delivered through community pharmacies could help more than 225,000 people quit each year, particularly in deprived areas. It points to pressure on GP services and low use of existing pharmacy schemes as barriers to effective support.
The study calls for consistent national commissioning and referral systems to allow pharmacies to play a greater role in cutting smoking-related harm.
Source: Pharmacy Business, 5 February 2026
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Caps on NHS health checks leave access restricted in dozens of areas
An investigation has found that GP practices in more than 70 local authority areas are being restricted in how many NHS Health Checks they can provide each year, despite national guidance encouraging eligible adults to book appointments. Freedom of information data shows many councils impose limits on the number of checks they will fund, citing budgetary pressures, which GPs say reduces patient access to preventive screening.
The programme, aimed at identifying risks such as heart disease and diabetes in people aged 40 to 74, is commissioned by local authorities using public health grants that have fallen significantly in real terms over the past decade. Professional bodies and local government representatives warned that funding constraints and uncertainty over commissioning undermine consistent delivery, while the government said it is working to improve uptake through new approaches, including online checks.
Source: Pulse, 5 February 2026
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Tobacco company survey shows retailers anticipate growth in vapes and nicotine products
A Philip Morris (PMI) survey of UK convenience store managers reported increased public interest in vapes and nicotine products in 2025. According to PMI, 96% of retailers surveyed reported customers asked for recommendations on alternative products to cigarettes.
With smoking rates declining and the Tobacco and Vapes Bill progressing through parliament, PMI claims it is aiming to increase its overall revenue from vapes and other nicotine products to 66% by 2030.
Source: Forecourt Trader, 4 February 2026
See also: Tobacco Tactics – Philip Morris International
Editorial note: This article has been included to provide insight into market trends and industry developments.
Despite PMI’s ‘smoke-free’ strategy, the majority of their revenue – around 62% in 2024 – comes from cigarettes and other conventional combustible tobacco products. PMI’s 2024 annual report stated that shipments of cigarettes rose to 616.8 billion sticks, up from 612.9 billion in 2023. This confirmed research published by the Tobacco Control Research Group (TCRG) at Bath, which challenged claims the company had set targets to reduce the number of cigarettes shipped as part of their move to ‘smoke-free’.
In 2022, TCRG analysed a leaked PMI corporate strategy document and found that the company is focused on normalising its image using misleading communications. The paper described how “In public-facing communications, PMI stress their commitment to transformation and change, while in investor-facing communications, they focus on cigarettes and reiterate the strength of their existing cigarette brand portfolios.”
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Smoking responsible for thousands of emergency visits in the Netherlands
A study led by Dr Nicole Kraaijvanger at Leiden University Medical Center found that cigarette smoking is the main cause of nicotine-related emergency department visits. In a 24-hour nationwide survey of 2,061 patients across 67 hospitals, 7% of patients had symptoms directly linked to nicotine use, extrapolating to about 26,000 visits annually.
Smoking contributed to 86% of nicotine-related cases, and overall may play a role in nearly 193,000 emergency visits each year. Vaping and nicotine pouches were also reported to cause respiratory and other health complaints.
Source: NL Times, 4 February 2026
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