Dora the tobacco dog helped uncover illegal cigarettes, vapes, counterfeit toys and hand-rolling tobacco worth £25,000 during a joint operation between council officers and Greater Manchester Police.
Working across the Bury borough, the team inspected off-licences, mini-markets and newsagents in areas including Prestwich and Ramsbottom. At seven separate premises, they discovered 1,300 packets of illegal cigarettes, 200 pouches of hand-rolling tobacco and 127 non-compliant vapes. A further 38 counterfeit toys deemed unsafe for sale were also seized.
Councillor Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture and the economy, said the council would continue to take firm action against retailers breaking the law.
She said: “We are taking a zero tolerance attitude to this, and will continue to take action against retailers who break the law and sell illegal tobacco and counterfeit goods.
“I also urge Bury residents not to buy these products. It hits law-abiding traders, and brings crime into our neighbourhoods, as well as potentially causing harm. Please report instances where you suspect wrong-doing to us so we can investigate.”
Residents are being urged not to support the black market trade, which undermines legitimate businesses and contributes to organised crime. The council and police have committed to further enforcement visits in the months ahead.
Anyone with information about the sale of illegal tobacco can report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at https://www.keep-it-out.co.uk
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