Bruiser sniffs out illegal tobacco

A sniffer dog called Bruiser has helped Manchester trading standards officers find illegal tobacco.

The English springer spaniel beagle cross sniffed out more than 3,200 fake cigarettes.

It led to the prosecution of shopkeeper Akhtar Ali who was sentenced to unpaid work and fined.

Ali of Milwain Road, Levenshulme was handed the sentence after pleading guilty to four offences related to the possession and supply of illicit tobacco.

Councillor Nigel Murphy, Manchester City Council’s executive member for neighbourhoods said. "Unscrupulous traders often sell illicit tobacco products to customers at a much lower price than their legal equivalents, making it easier for children to start smoking and become addicted to tobacco.

"Our trading standards team did an excellent job of getting these illegal products - which are often manufactured in completely unregulated environments - off Manchester shop shelves. Let this prosecution serve as a warning that we take this very seriously and will bring those responsible for this trade before the courts."

If you are wish to report illegal tobacco sales or if you suspect a retailer of selling age restricted products to individuals under the minimum age you can report it to the Citizen’s Advice Service online at: www.citizensadvice.org.u