Sniffer dog discovers illegal tobacco in Hull

Trading Standards are investigating

Cooper the dog
Author: Julie CastonPublished 19th Jan 2023

Illegal tobacco and vapes thought to be worth hundreds of thousands of pounds have been discovered in Hull thanks to the expert nose of a sniffer dog.

Searches took place on Endike Lane, Inglemire Lane and Orchard Park Road with Trading standards and Humberside Police involved as well as Cooper the dog

Trading standards say they're continuing with their investigations.

PC Dave Nimmo said:

“The sale of these products funds more serious crime including human trafficking, child sexual exploitation and terrorism.”

Cllr Rob Pritchard, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Crime Prevention and Culture at Hull City Council, said:

“Illicit tobacco is not as simple as cheap cigarettes. It is a barrier to people quitting, enables children and young people to smoke and can be used to fund organised crime.

"Work like this is important because it gets these illegal products off the streets and out of our communities. Any counterfeit products, including vapes, can be very dangerous as they are not subject to the rigorous safety standards imposed on goods sold legally.

“Our Trading Standards team will now carry out a full investigation. The results on Tuesday highlight the value of working in partnership – as well as the fantastic detective work dogs like Cooper can achieve!”

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