Illegal cigarettes and alcohol seized by police have been turned into electricity at a special recycling plant Almost 150,000 cigarettes and tonnes of illegal alcohol seized during raids in Lincolnshire have been turned into electricity.

The substances were taken to a specialist recycling centre where the cigarettes were broken down and the energy fed into the National Grid.

The counterfeit liquid is mixed with foodstuffs and enzymes to create gas. This gas is then burned to produce electricity, which is then also fed into the National Grid

Emma Milligan, principal trading standards officer at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Tackling the sale of counterfeit and illegal cigarettes and alcohol is a priority. Some cigarettes are not self-extinguishing and therefore extremely dangerous.

“Illegal brands, such as Pect and Jin Lings, don’t comply with the UK safety standard of Reduced Ignition Propensity, meaning they don’t go out when not actively being smoked.”

She explained that many bottles of alcohol were seized for non-payment of duty, while others were seized as they were counterfeit or fake and potentially very dangerous. They can contain industrial alcohol which is unfit for human consumption.

Emma said: “The cigarettes and alcohol being destroyed today have been seized in several operations involving Lincolnshire Trading Standards and Lincolnshire Police. Tobacco detection dogs are often involved, supported by the Smoke Free Alliance.

“With such potential dangers to the public, it’s vital that these products are taken off the streets. I’m glad we can put the cigarettes and alcohol to use in a productive way.

“If you do suspect anyone of selling cheap, illegal cigarettes or alcohol, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 to avoid tragic cases in the future.”

Source: at http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/illegal-alcohol-and-cigarettes-seized-by-police-turned-into-electricity/story-30016023-detail/story.html#B9POiDF9gKweB85K.99