Illegal vapes and contraband tobacco seized in raids in Bolton

Illegal vapes and contraband tobacco worth more than £15,000 were seized during a series of raids across Bolton.

Two large bottles of nitrous oxide gas were uncovered while two dogs were also seized and a takeaway restaurant was handed a closure notice because of 'unhygienic conditions'.

It followed six raids - two commercial properties and four homes on Halliwell Road in the Astley Bridge area of Bolton - executed jointly by Greater Manchester Police and Bolton Council on Thursday night.

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Acting on intelligence provided by the community, officials seized 570 'non-compliant' vapes - UK law stipulates they should not provide more than 600 puffs.

Also seized were contraband cigarettes and 1.3 kilos of hand-rolled cigarettes found in a BMW, which was towed away.

One takeaway restaurant was issued with a closure notice due to 'unhygienic conditions' and Bolton Council's Dog Control Unit seized two dogs under the Animal Welfare Act, due to 'the conditions they were being kept in'.

Bolton Council’s executive cabinet member for regulatory services, Coun Sue Haworth, said: "This was a successful joint operation with officers from our trading standards, housing standards, licensing, food hygiene and dog control teams, all working closely with the police.

"The raid was the result of months of careful planning and intelligence gathering, which highlights our commitment to clamping down on illegal sales.

"The goods seized include non-compliant vapes, illicit tobacco and nitrous oxide, all of which pose a significant risk to public health.

"The operation was a great example of partnership working and has sent a clear message that we will