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# Sniffer dogs Skye and Louis uncover illegal tobacco haul in Ipswich
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/sniffer-dogs-skye-and-louis-uncover-illegal-tobacco-haul-in-ipswich/
- Published: 2024-12-04T15:53:48.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:28:26.000Z
- Description: 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.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Crime, #article, Suffolk Trading Standards, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**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.

![Concealed illegal cigarettes found at a store in Ipswich](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1733327410-seized-cigarettes-trading-standards-edited-1.png)

Specialist sniffer dogs have helped Trading Standards officers uncover hundreds of carefully concealed illegal cigarette packets and tobacco pouches (Suffolk Trading Standards)

**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.

![Specialist tobacco sniffer dogs](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1733327567-tobacco-sniffer-dogs.png)

Specialist sniffer dogs Skye and Louis were instrumental in locating the concealed tobacco products (Suffolk Trading Standards)

**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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