Two TONNES of illegal tobacco and vapes seized

A STAGGERING two tonnes of illegal tobacco and e-cigarettes have been seized from rogue shops in Bolton since the start of the summer.

- CHRIS GEE

In the latest raids last Tuesday and Friday, more than 2,000 packs of fake cigarettes were seized from shops in the borough.

Trading standards officers carried out the raids after receiving local intelligence that counterfeit cigarettes were being sold. Of particular concern is that illicit goods are being sold to school children and young people.

In the latest raids police and trading standards officers were helped by sniffer dogs. Cigarettes were found hidden in walls and fridges at two premises and taken away for examination.

The businesses involved have not been named as they are now under criminal investigation. The two tonnes seized over the past five months include 23,500 non-compliant e-cigarettes which have been uncovered during a series of raids on Bolton shops.