How a sniffer dog tracked down a large stash of phoney tobacco at a Wigan shop
Police and officials swooped on a Wigan shop to uncover a trove of illegal tobacco hidden away
The black market trade in phoney tobacco was dealt a blow this week after a Wigan shop raid.
A joint operation was carried out involving Greater Manchester Police, Trading Standards, Immigration Enforcement, and the Local Housing Authority.
Acting on information provided by local residents, several premises were visited across the area.
During an inspection of a shop in Beech Hill, a substantial quantity of illegal cigarettes was discovered and seized with the assistance of a specialist detection dog.
Trading Standards are now progressing the matter.
Two further shops in Hindley were inspected as part of the operation, with all partner agencies working together to address criminality.
A police spokesperson said: “Information from the public plays a vital role in operations like these.
“If you have concerns about illegal activity in your area, please continue to report information via Crimestoppers. Your intelligence helps us identify issues and carry out further joint enforcement activity where needed.
“Report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or online at https://orlo.uk/NqkiO”