Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Trading Standards officers enlisted the help of two four-legged friends in the fight against counterfeit or contraband tobacco.

In the last week tobacco detection dogs Ozzie and Alfie sniffed out more than 8,000 cigarettes and 1.6kg of tobacco at locations which have not been disclosed by the council.

Cheshire West and Chester Councils Trading Standards officers find counterfeit or contraband tobacco behind this shelving unit

The illicit products were seized during raids across the borough carried out by Trading Standards officers from the council’s Regulatory Services Team. The council was also unable to confirm whether or not arrests were made. 

The two dogs, provided by Wagtail UK Ltd, helped detect the concealed stashes of tobacco in two of the premises that were targeted.

Seizures included counterfeit and non-duty paid cigarettes and tobacco which cannot be legally sold in the UK. Officers were acting on information provided by members of the public, Crimestoppers and Cheshire police.

Councillor Lynn Riley, executive member for localities, said: “Tobacco detection dogs have become valued members of the team – but they are not so popular with those who sell contraband or counterfeit tobacco.

“Those involved in dealing in illegal tobacco may be encouraging people, including children to smoke by providing a cheap source.

“Dogs like Ozzie and Alfie can find tobacco and cigarettes even if they are hidden in the most unlikely places. In one of the premises, the stash of illicit tobacco was concealed behind an innocent-looking shelving unit on a wall. Luckily, super sniffer dog Alfie was on the case and pointed officers directly to it.

Alfie in action with Cheshire West and Chester Council's trading standards officers

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

The joint agency activity was conducted by officers from Cheshire West and Chester Regulatory Services and the North West Illicit Tobacco Team, assisted by Wagtail UK Ltd.

Anyone with information regarding the sale of illegal tobacco can pass on the details confidentially to Trading Standards through Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506 or the Trading Standards North West Illicit Tobacco Team on 01925 442466.