In a joint effort aimed at combating the illicit trade of tobacco and counterfeit goods, St Helens Borough Council's Trading Standards officers, supported by Merseyside Police, HM Revenue & Customs, and council housing colleagues, executed a search warrant at a store in St Helens town center. This operation also included the inspection of four additional shops across the borough. The collaboration between these agencies led to a successful crackdown on illegal activities and the seizure of a significant amount of contraband.

Illegal Goods Uncovered: A Seizure Worth £60,000

With the assistance of two highly trained tobacco sniffer dogs named Billy and Pippa, the enforcement officers were able to uncover a substantial quantity of illegal cigarettes, tobacco, and e-cigarettes. The total value of the seized goods amounted to approximately £60,000. This operation has dealt a significant blow to the illicit trade network operating within the region.

Removing Counterfeit Products from Circulation

The diligent efforts of the Trading Standards officers led to the removal of over 100,000 counterfeit cigarettes from sale. Alongside these, 600 packs of counterfeit hand rolling tobacco and 2,500 potentially dangerous and unregistered e-cigarettes were also seized. The quantity and range of products discovered highlight the extent of the illicit trade and its potential impact on public health and safety.

Innovative Tactics to Evade Detection

Store owners resorted to various tactics in an attempt to conceal the illicit goods from law enforcement. Hidden compartments and false walls were ingeniously employed to obscure the presence of the illegal products. Additionally, scented candles, garlic cloves, and TCP-soaked kitchen towels were strategically used to mask the scent, thwarting the detection efforts of sniffer dogs. However, the expertise of Billy and Pippa prevailed, enabling the successful seizure of the contraband.

Building on Past Successes: Intelligence and Collaboration

This recent operation builds upon a series of successful crackdowns conducted earlier this year. The valuable intelligence provided by vigilant residents played a pivotal role in these achievements. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, including Merseyside Police, HM Revenue & Customs, council housing colleagues, and St Helens Borough Council's Trading Standards officers, demonstrate their unwavering commitment to protecting the community and dismantling illegal networks.

A Firm Stance: Clamp Down on Illegal Products

Councillor Jeanie Bell, St Helens Borough Council's cabinet member for safer, stronger communities, emphasizes the council's determination to combat the sale of damaging and illegal products. The Trading Standards Team remains resolute in its pursuit of justice and will not hesitate to seize such goods. The successful operations carried out serve as a testament to their dedication and effectiveness. Those found selling these illicit products face prosecution and the possibility of permanent closure of their establishments.

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FAQs:

Q1: How were the illegal cigarettes and counterfeit goods discovered? A: The Trading Standards officers, with the assistance of two highly trained tobacco sniffer dogs named Billy and Pippa, conducted thorough searches, uncovering hidden compartments and false walls where the illicit products were concealed.

Q2: What tactics did the store owners employ to hide the contraband? A: Store owners used elevated hidden compartments and false walls to conceal the illegal products. They also employed scented candles, garlic cloves, and TCP-soaked kitchen towels to mask the scent from sniffer dogs.

Q3: What was the total value of the seized goods? A: The seized goods, including illegal cigarettes, tobacco, and e-cigarettes, had an estimated value of around £60,000.

Q4: How many counterfeit cigarettes were removed from sale? A: Over 100,000 counterfeit cigarettes were removed from circulation as a result of the operation.

Q5: What are the potential consequences for shops caught selling illegal goods? A: Shops caught selling illegal goods face prosecution and the possibility of permanent closure under the enforcement powers held by the Trading Standards Team and the council.

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