MORE than two million illegal cigarettes have been seized in the past two months in East Lancashire.

Health chiefs disclosed the figure as they draw up a plan to reduce the harm that smoking and illicit tobacco has on the lives of people in the area.

The tobacco, which is illegal because it has either been smuggled into the country or is counterfeit, is thought to be responsible for four times as many deaths as drugs.

According to experts these cigarettes can contain three times more arsenic, six times more lead, 160 per cent more tar and 133 per centmore carbon monoxide than legitimate products.

Experts estimate that 4,000 fewer people would die each year from smoking related illnesses in the UK if tobacco smuggling was stopped.

Illegal cigarettes can be up to half the price of legal ones, making it easier for children and young people to take up the habit, and make it harder for smokers to quit.

NHS East Lancashire health professionals, local council representatives and customs officers are in the process of putting together a draft Tobacco Control Strategy for the area.

The document will detail the work already carried out in the region and explain new plans, which include expanding and promoting the stop smoking service, working with midwifery services to support pregnant smokers and controlling the supply of illegal tobacco.

Dr Sohail Bhatti, NHS East Lancashire interim director of public health, said: “Smoking is the single most preventable cause of ill-health and death.

“We have some of the highest smoking rates in the north west, and it is shocking that out of the estimated 65,000 smokers over the age of 16 we have in NHS East Lancashire, around half of those will die a premature death because of their habit.”

The primary care trust said Hyndburn has the highest numbers of smokers in its area at 34 per cent of people age 18 or above, compared to an England average of 21 per cent and a north west average of 24 per cent.

It is followed by Burnley at 28 per cent, Rossendale at 26 per cent, Pendle at 23 per cent and the Ribble Valley at 20 per cent.

If you would like help and support to quit smoking contact East Lancashire Stop Smoking Service on 01254 380424.