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Two specialist tobacco detection dogs have helped Trading Standards officers uncover hundreds of carefully concealed illegal cigarette packets and tobacco pouches during raids in Ipswich.
Why it matters: Illegal tobacco trade undermines legitimate businesses and can pose health risks to consumers, as counterfeit products often don't comply with safety regulations.
By the numbers:
401 packets of cigarettes seized
96 pouches of hand rolling tobacco discovered
Three premises raided
The details: Trading Standards officers conducted raids at three Ipswich premises as part of Operation CeCe, a joint initiative between National Trading Standards and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Specialist sniffer dogs Skye and Louis, provided by Wagtail UK, were instrumental in locating the concealed tobacco products.
Behind the scenes: The seized items are suspected to be illegally imported without paying duty and don't meet legal packaging and labelling requirements. Several products are believed to be counterfeits of well-known brands.
What's next: Trading Standards will fully assess the seized products to determine exact offences committed and decide on appropriate action.
How to help: Residents can report suspected illegal tobacco sales through the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
The bottom line: This operation demonstrates how specialist detection dogs continue to play a crucial role in uncovering illegal tobacco products, supporting wider government efforts to disrupt the illegal tobacco market.
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