Illegal Cigarettes Seized In Northants

23 July 2014, 08:11 | Updated: 23 July 2014, 08:19

More than 4,000 packets of illicit cigarettes and 175 pouches of hand rolling tobacco have been seized in Northamptonshire by police, customs and trading standards officers.

Operation Henry is currently cracking down on the supply of illicit tobacco.

Details have been released by Northants Police and Northants County Council's Trading Standards Department of the raids on seven sites in the county on Sunday (13th of July).

Phoebe, a sprocker spaniel, and Scamp, a springer spaniel, helped detect concealed stashes of tobacco at the premises.

Councillor Andre Gonzalez de Savage, Northamptonshire County Council cabinet member for Strategic Infrastructure, Economic Growth and Public Protection said:

"Those involved in dealing in illegal tobacco may be encouraging people, including children to smoke by providing a cheap source. The detection dogs can find tobacco and cigarettes even if hidden in the most unlikely places.

Offenders need to know that they will face consequences if they choose to deal in these illegal products. Anyone being offered cheap tobacco or any other types of illicit goods should report it to trading standards, anonymously if preferred, via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 04 05 06"