Shop found with illegal tobacco twice in less than 24 hours

In a joint operation on Friday (March 25) with Bolton Council and Trading Standards, officers visited a shop on St Helen’s Road in the Deane area of the town.

Illegal tobacco was found and seized from two separate shops thanks to the help of sniffer dogs. 

A sniffer dog helping in the joint operation. Photo credit: Bolton South Police / Facebook

Officers also seized a car involved in crime and found a knife nearby in a wasteland.

Less than 24 hours later, officers went back to one of the shops and seized more illegal tobacco as well as nitrous oxide cannisters.

A second car, also used in crime, was seized.

The first lot of tobacco seized by officers, Bolton Council and Trading Standards. Photo Credit: Bolton South Police / Facebook

A spokesperson for the police said: “Bolton South Police conducted a joint operation with Bolton Council and Trading Standard in the St Helen's Road, Deane area of Bolton as part of the Police’s Day of Action on Friday 25th March.

“Illegal tobacco was found and seized in two shops as Wagtail UK Limited and their dog Billy, it was Billy's last day before he was retiring.

“The vehicle was subsequently seized as used in crime.

The second seizure by police included illegal tobacco and gas cannisters. Photo credit: Bolton South Police / Facebook

“A knife was also found in the nearby wasteland that has also been seized."

A second update said: “Not even 24 hours later, Bolton South Police re-attend a shop on St Helen's Road and seize more illegal tobacco and nitrous oxide gas canisters and took the car as used in crime for good measure.”