One of the biggest stashes of illicit tobacco ever seized in the UK has been found in Bolton. The haul, worth an estiamted £4.1m was discovered after police and teading standards officers raided premises in Manchester Road.
Two industrial units had been used to store the raw tobacco. Police say it was being used during the initial stage in the illegal manufacturing process which is then diluted with other substances in order to increase its volume. It’s been found to include tree leaves, dead insects, and even rat faeces and other dangerous toxins.
GMP officers acted on intelligence provided to police and local authorities and the goods were removed from the premises and are currently secured while officers conduct further investigations.
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Chief Superintendent Steph Parker, GMP’s Bolton’s District Commander said: “Greater Manchester Police take the production and distribution of illegal substances and counterfeit goods extremely seriously and we are continuing our commitment to remove these goods from our streets.
“Ultimately this raid resulted in a positive seizure of a large amount of illegal tobacco, which has thankfully been removed from circulation and our community, further protecting the public from these extremely dangerous and harmful products.
“This raid was a great success thanks to the intelligence that was shared with us and by working closely with local authorities and Bolton Council to make this possible. This is an excellent example of fantastic multi agency working removing illicit goods from off our streets away from the hands of criminal networks.
“We’re continuing to be relentless in our pursuit of serious and organised crime and I want to take this opportunity to encourage the public to continue reporting any illegal activity so we can act and make Bolton an even safer place to live and work."
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Regulatory, Cllr Sue Haworth, said: “This council has a zero-tolerance policy on the sale of illicit tobacco which damages our communities and deprives our NHS of vital tax income.
“The raid was an excellent example of partnership working, with both council officers and GMP joining forces to take these harmful goods off our streets. This is the biggest Trading Standards seizure in Bolton’s history, and one of the largest of its kind anywhere in the UK."
Anyone with any information about the sale of illicit tobacco should contact GMP directly on 101 or report via out website: www.gmp.police.uk Alternatively, you can report information to The Citizens Advice Bureau or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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