Sniffer dogs in Westminster have found the biggest ever haul of illicit cigarettes the borough has seen.
A total of 143,156 cigarettes from three different shops were found by springer spaniel Bradley, five, and four-year-old black Labrador Indie last Wednesday (November 12) and Thursday (November 13), Westminster Council revealed today.
The two canny canines also sniffed out 6.3kg of rolling tobacco and more than 50kg of shisha tobacco which have all been seized by the council’s trading standards team with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) investigators.
Some of the cigarettes did not have the correct health warnings on them while others had been bought abroad and had not had the right duty paid on them.
All illegally held cigarettes are seized in these types of operations, with the shop owners facing further investigation, cautions and possible prosecution.
Frank King, a Westminster trading standards officer, said: “This is all about protecting the consumer. Not only did Bradley and Indie have a good day, Westminster City Council’s Trading Standards team had their most successful day so far in tracking down cigarettes that shouldn’t be on the market. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg and we are already compiling a list of retailers to visit next time we take the dogs out.”
Jennie Kendall, spokeswoman for HMRC added the illegal trade has a devastating effect on legitimate retails who have to compete with black market traders.
She said: “We appeal to local people and businesses to join us in the fight against crime and encourage anyone with information on illegally imported goods, or tax evasion and fraud, to contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000.”
The dogs came from Wagtail International who provide expertly trained dogs for the detection of tobacco, explosives and firearms, cash and drugs.
Check out our story about another heroic dog who helped save eight people from a fire in neighbouring Hammersmith and Fulham.
