Illegal tobacco and vapes seized during Operation Avro

Trading standards and licensing officers seized £12,000 of illegal goods when they joined Greater Manchester Police in Operation Avro.

They visited 12 shops across the borough, accompanied on five occasions by tobacco detection dog Mostyn from SC Detection Dogs.

Mostyn sniffed out various concealed items including 4,240 illicit cigarettes, 1.1kg of hand rolling tobacco and 912 vapes. Other issues were also identified and will be investigated.

Councillor Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture and the economy, said: “Our enforcement officers are watching, and we will take action against retailers who break the law and sell illegal tobacco and vapes.

“I also urge residents not to buy these products. It’s unfair on law-abiding traders, and these ‘cheap’ purchases actually cause harm to the local community by bringing in crime and getting kids hooked on nicotine.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 22 March 2024.

Picture: The stash of illegal products seized by trading standards officers.