Personal Injury Claims
POTENTIALLY lethal cigarettes are being sold in Gloucester.
Controversial Jin Ling fags, which contain industrial chemicals, are being flogged at a city convenience store.
The notorious black market cigarettes were imported into the UK from China and have prompted warnings from health experts.
Hundreds of packets have been seized by trading standards around the country so far this year, and tests show some are lined with dangerous asbestos.
In a Gloucester shop, which cannot be named for legal reasons, a Citizen reporter was sold a pack of 20 for £2.70.
Following the sale, trading standards officials are now investigating.
Campaigners have been shocked by the purchase.
Elaine Watson, manager of Gloucestershire NHS Stop Smoking service, said she was aware of the brand and urged people not to buy them.
"I am very concerned about stores having these cigarettes," she said.
"Smoking is particularly bad for your health, however these types of cigarettes have such a high amount of additives they can seriously damage your health.
"People selling them often think they are doing a favour to the buyer but they are not," she added.
"The most effective measure we have in this country to stop people smoking is putting up the cost of cigarettes.
"If someone is undercutting that market that is a huge risk."
They come in yellow packs with the words "USA blend" on the front with an illustration of a mountain goat.
Last year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a warning after the emergence of the product in Europe.
They are thought to be twice as strong as ordinary fags.
Martin Bruton, at Gloucestershire Trading Standards, said there were concerns the cigarettes were being made specifically for the black market.
Mr Bruton, who is consumer advice and community development manager, said: "Our colleagues in the health service are concerned that all tobacco products pose a health risk but illegally imported tobacco which is not intended for UK distribution is not controlled in the same strict manner as genuine brands.
"They are unlikely to have been tested and some reports have suggested they may contain other harmful substances.
"We are concerned that consumers buying illegally imported tobacco are putting themselves at risk and are supporting criminal activity."
Mr Bruton added that tobacco products that can be legally sold in the UK will carry required health warnings.
Despite several attempts to contact the store itself, the owner was unavailable for comment.
source: thisisgloucestershire.co.uk
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