Sniffer dogs have a nose for trouble

A PAIR of four-legged friends are on a mission to help Oldham Council sniff out trouble.

Specially-trained Labradors Ozzie and Murphy have detected more than 6,000 counterfeit cigarettes and a 2kg stash of non-duty paid hand-rolling tobacco over the last week.

The illegal products were seized during raids across the borough by trading standards officers.

The raids were carried out as part of the ongoing Operation Henry, run by the Trading Standards Institute.

Councillor Dave Hibbert, Oldham Council’s Cabinet member for housing, planning and transport, said: “Tobacco-detection dogs have become valued members of the team — but not so popular with those who sell illegal or counterfeit tobacco.

“The dogs can find tobacco and cigarettes even if they are hidden in the most unlikely places.

“Offenders need to know they will face prosecution if they deal in these illegal products.”