SMOKERS could be further damaging their health by buying counterfeit cigarettes from street sellers operating illegally in Doncaster town centre.
The Tobacco Manufacturer's Association has issued a warning saying the fake goods could not only be variable in quality but could also contain hidden health threats by not complying with government regulations.
The association said street vendors in Baxtergate are making thousands of pounds by selling counterfeit 20 packs of Malboro or 'cheap whites' called Raquel or Samba for £2.50 compared to an average retail price of £5.85.
Cheap whites are produced by small overseas manufacturers which often have no legitimate market in the world - so in effect they are made for smugglers.
The vendors have also been selling 50 gram packs of tobacco pouches such as Golden Virginia and Cutters Choice for £4 against the usual £11.76.
Christopher Ogden, chief executive of the Tobacco Manufacturers' Association said: "All smuggled tobacco poses a serious threat to legitimate manufacturers and retailers.
"Although they may be tempted by a cheaper product, we urge smokers not to buy it.
"They may also be unwittingly purchasing counterfeit, the contents of which are unregulated and unknown."
The counterfeit goods are not checked and may contain different amounts of nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide. They may also contain additional ingredients not approved by the Government.
The association said in 2006/07 the illicit tobacco market cost the Treasury up to £3.1 billion in lost tax revenue - the equivalent to £8.5 million per day.
Mr Ogden added: "Smugglers are innovative and relentless, finding new ways to infiltrate the market as demonstrated by 'Cheap Whites' that are now appearing on UK streets."
