More than 17,000 cigarettes and 2.75kg of hand-rolling tobacco were found alongside an audio device in the flat above Euro Market in Cheetham Hill Road.
Trading standards officers believe that staff would sit in the flat and listen to orders before passing the products down to the premises through the chute.
Designated premises supervisor Hassan Darvishi denied he had access to the flat despite documents relating to him as the shop owner being found inside.
A further 80 counterfeit cigarettes and 103 fake football club face masks were also found on Mr Darvishi when the store was searched in August.
This story is from the December 08, 2021 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 08, 2021 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
How Co-op Live was days from opening, then it all went wrong
\"FOUR days until show time,\" the dot matrix sign outside Co-op Live read, on a photo shared online.
Notorious Gooch Gang boss dies in prison, aged 48
A GANGSTER who once led the feared Gooch Gang has died in prison.
Crackdown plan to tackle 'dangerous anti-social parking'
SURVEY NEAR STADIUM NAMES ISSUE AS NUMBER ONE PROBLEM
Scarlett hits the right note for her Corrie mum Tina
CORONATION Street star Tina O'Brien said she was 'so proud' as she shared a rare message about her daughter weeks after they were caught up in a shocking brawl outside their family home.
Banned dog that bit Uber Eats driver in face is returned to its owner
A BANNED dog that left an Uber Eats driver in hospital after biting him in the face has been allowed to return to its owner.
Couple 'will never leave' UK again after hols hell
HOLIDAYMAKERS' VOW OVER THREE-DAY JOURNEY TO GET BACK HOME FROM STORM-HIT DUBAI
Mum waved Samurai sword in dog poo row
A MUM tried to scare off her neighbours with a Samurai sword after a brawl erupted in a row over dog poo.
I was at death's door six months ago
CANCER BATTLE BAR BOSS GIVEN NEW HOPE WITH CLINICAL TRIAL
Tragedy chants United fan tells of 'deep shame'
'FAMILY MAN' HIT WITH THREE-YEAR FOOTBALL BANNING ORDER
Boxsters to boxing for Ashley
FORMER CAR SALESMAN HOPES TO HIT TOP AS PRO FIGHTER
