Thousands of illegal cigarettes have been seized along with vapes and hand rolling tobacco after a series of raids in the town centre after tip offs by the public.

Two Greater Manchester Police Community Support Officers, joined forces with trading standards officers and local neighbourhood police to visit premises in the town centre.

As a result, a significant amount of goods were seized including 935 vapes, 170 pouches of HRT, and nearly 10,000 cigarettes.

The seizure has come as a result of the information received by communities across the borough.

Greater Manchester Police officers are urging the community to ‘continue providing information’ as it will be ‘robustly acted on’.

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A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “This week PCSO's Wales and Holden have joined up with trading standards and local Neighbourhood Officers to do joint visits at local premises in the town centre of Bolton.

“As a result of this collaborative approach, a significant amount of goods have been seized off our streets, keeping the community of Bolton safe.

The Bolton News: Greater Manchester Police and trading standards seize goodsGreater Manchester Police and trading standards seize goods (Image: GMP)“This seizure has come about as a result of the information received by our communities.

“The total amount seized is inclusive of 935 vapes, 170 pouches of HRT (hand rolling tobacco), and nearly 10,000 cigarettes.

“Local neighbourhood teams will continue to work with their partners to ensure we deliver the best level of service to our community.

“We urge the community to continue providing information on any trading matters, and this information will be robustly acted on.”

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