Joint operation sniffs out £50k of illegal tobacco

Officers visited nine premises across the borough - with help from two sniffer dogs, Skye and Louie

Officers from Oldham Council’s Trading Standards department – together with colleagues from HM Revenue and Customs and Greater Manchester Police – have seized illegal vapes and tobacco worth £50,000.

During a two-day joint operation, teams visited nine premises across the borough – with help from two sniffer dogs, Skye and Louie.

As is the case with traders who sell illegal products, they will go to great lengths to conceal their contraband.

However, the trained pooches, who come from Wagtails UK Ltd, helped sniff out the illegal goods.

In total more than 78,000 illicit cigarettes, 11kg hand rolling tobacco and 2,578 non-compliant disposable vapes were taken off the streets.

Councillor Chris Goodwin, Cabinet Member responsible for Public Protection, said: “Together with our partners, we continue to take action against traders who sell goods that are unlawful and potentially unsafe.

“Smoking, the harm it does and the trade in illegal tobacco has sadly been around for years.

"But over the last few years we’ve seen more and more illegal vapes on our streets.

“Not only do they contain illegal amount of nicotine but they are also being targeted at young people, and that’s not on.

“It’s also against the law to sell a vape to anyone under 18.

“We’ll continue to carry on raids and seizures across the borough and if you can help us, please get in touch.”

If you are aware of any shops selling illegal tobacco and vapes, then please report it to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or: www.keep-it-out.co.uk

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