Two specially-trained dogs have sniffed out a huge haul of 17,000 illegal cigarettes as part of a crackdown in Greater Manchester.
The pair of springers, called Billy and Lilly, also uncovered 7.95kg of illegal hand-rolling tobacco. It follows a series of raids in three Bury shops and one in Prestwich.
The sniffer dogs uncovered the dodgy tobacco from secret compartments which were carefully concealing the items. Bury Council officers have also seized 1,800 illicit vapes, with a street value of £33,000.
Coun Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture, the economy and skills on Bury Council, said: “There’s a high price to pay for these ‘cheap’ purchases. Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features "Illegal tobacco is often linked to organised crime, with links to human trafficking, the drugs trade and loan sharks.