Trafford Council officers have seized thousands of illicit cigarettes plus tobacco and suspected cannabis lollipops thanks to a pair of hardworking sniffer dogs.
Highly-trained spaniels Dora and Fred, of the Wagtails UK, joined the Council and Greater Manchester Police officers on a high street swoop.
A total of seven premises were visited in Stretford, Altrincham, Urmston, Sale and Old Trafford following intelligence reports of suspected illegal, counterfeit or smuggled, tobacco sales.
The Council’s Trading Standards team coordinated the operation with support from Community Safety colleagues and GMP.
Of the shops inspected, four were found to be selling illicit tobacco products. As a result, Trading Standards officers seized:
In addition, opened packets of cigarettes were found concealed beneath shop counters in multiple premises. This is a common indicator of the illegal sale of single cigarettes, a practice often associated with underage sales and increased risk to public health.
Enforcement action is ongoing, and further investigations will be conducted where appropriate. Fred is pictured above and Dora is pictured below.
Cllr Keleigh Glenton, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Community Safety and Civil Contingencies said:
“The Council maintains a zero-tolerance approach to the sale of illicit tobacco and cigarettes.
“This type of criminal activity not only harms public health, and takes custom away from legitimate traders who follow required rules and standards, but also contributes to wider organised crime within communities.
“The discovery of these illegal goods demonstrates that, despite prior warnings and enforcement activity, some businesses have continued to engage in criminal behaviour.”
"Thanks to tip-offs from local people, Dora and Fred and their handlers from Wagtails, and the support of our police partners, we have been able to seize these harmful goods and protect the community. This activity ties in with our Council priorities to facilitate healthy lives and a thriving economy in Trafford.”