This is one of the incredible detection dogs who have managed to sniff out £5,000 worth of illegal tobacco and cigarettes across Bury. Ted, a specially-trained tobacco detection dog, uncovered concealed stashes of tobacco which were seized from three stores in Ainsworth, Radcliffe and Tottington.
He is one of a team of dogs that have worked with police, trading standards and Bury Council's licensing team to help find 2.4kg of illicit hand rolling tobacco and 6,840 cigarettes worth £5,000. Officers targeted eight shops across the borough after receiving tip-offs from the public.
Ted - who was provided by Wagtail UK - managed to find alleged counterfeit products, non-duty paid products and incorrectly labelled products which cannot be legally sold in the UK. Investigations are continuing, Bury Council says.
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During their visits, the teams also found items of out-of-date food and beer without English or allergen labelling. Further enforcement action is now planned across the borough.
Bury Council says its enforcement officers are 'watching' retailers and will take action against those selling illegal tobacco. It says buyers should also be aware that 'cheap' purchases of illicit products can cause harm to the local community - including bringing crime into neighbourhoods.
Ben Thomson, public protection manager at Bury Council, said: “The detection dogs can find tobacco and cigarettes even if hidden in the most unlikely places.
"Those dealing in illegal tobacco may be encouraging people, including children, to smoke by providing a cheap source. Offenders need to know that they will face consequences if they choose to deal in these illegal products.”
Coun Charlotte Morris, Bury Council cabinet member for culture and the economy, added: “This is great work by our teams at the council and the police to reduce the supply of and demand for cheap illegal tobacco.
“Its low price and easy availability encourage people to keep smoking, and children and young people are often targeted by unscrupulous traders. This enforcement action is therefore welcomed.
“Further action is planned in the Bury area and we’ll be bringing these fantastic sniffer dogs with us to hunt out these products, no matter how well hidden. The council will also be considering reviewing the licences of the premises caught selling illegal tobacco.”
The sale of illegal tobacco can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at keep-it-out.co.uk.
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