A SURVEY is under way to determine the extent of the problem of illicit tobacco in North Yorkshire communities.

Illicit tobacco is cigarettes, hand-rolling tobacco or other smoking products that have been smuggled into Britain without tax being paid on them or are counterfeit, and they are usually available through unlicensed outlets, North Yorkshire County Council said. It added that these outlets sell tobacco products to children and young people with sales often funding organised crime.

Information about the supply of illicit tobacco can be reported anonymously through the Keep It Out e-form on www.keep-it-out.co.uk, or call 0300 999 0000.