Sniffer dogs have helped Trafford Council officers raid shops across the borough - including in Altrincham - uncovering thousands of illegal cigarettes, illicit tobacco and suspected cannabis sweets aimed at children.
Springer spaniels Dora and Fred, from specialist detection firm Wagtails UK, joined Trading Standards officers and Greater Manchester Police in a sweep of seven premises across Stretford, Altrincham, Urmston, Sale and Old Trafford.
Four of the seven shops visited were found to be selling illicit tobacco products. Officers seized 4,880 cigarettes, 1.4kg of hand-rolling tobacco, 21 packets of smokeless tobacco and 66 suspected cannabis lollipops - the latter packaged in brightly coloured wrappers designed to appeal to children.
Inspectors also found opened cigarette packets hidden beneath shop counters at multiple premises - a common sign that single cigarettes are being sold illegally, a practice frequently linked to underage sales.
Cllr Keleigh Glenton, Trafford Council's Executive Member for Community Safety, said the finds showed some businesses had continued breaking the law "despite prior warnings and enforcement activity."
"The Council maintains a zero-tolerance approach to the sale of illicit tobacco and cigarettes," she said.
"This type of criminal activity not only harms public health, and takes custom away from legitimate traders who follow required rules and standards, but also contributes to wider organised crime within communities.
“Thanks to tip-offs from local people, Dora and Fred and their handlers from Wagtails, and the support of our police partners, we have been able to seize these harmful goods and protect the community."
Enforcement action is ongoing and further investigations are expected. Anyone with information about suspected illicit tobacco sales can report it to Trafford Council's Trading Standards team.
