A CRIME-FIGHTING canine has unearthed thousands of illegal cigarettes, as part of a crackdown on counterfeit tobacco products in Reading.
Griffin, a Cocker Spaniel detection dog worked with the Reading Borough Council Trading Standards team and Thames Valley Police to sniff out the items during an operation earlier this month.
On Tuesday, June 2, a visit to Reading Mini Mart on Oxford Road took place under Operation CeCe, a National Trading Standards initiative, in partnership with HM Revenue and Customs, to tackle illegal tobacco.
Griffin, handled by Stuart Phillips of Stu Phillips K9 Ltd, located the concealed tobacco within a hidden compartment in a storage area towards the back of the shop.
During further searches of the premises, a large shopping bag containing illegal tobacco was also identified, believed to have been thrown onto the roof of the shop next door, in an attempt to evade detection.
In total, more than 13,000 counterfeit cigarettes were seized as part of the operation, and are now set to be destroyed.
Had they been sold illegally, the seized items would have been worth around £4,500.
The shop was subsequently served a closure notice with authorities citing ongoing concerns over criminal behaviour, linked to the sale of illicit tobacco.
However at Reading Magistrates’ Court on June 10, a formal Closure Order was granted in the face of further evidence that continued unlawful trading was taking place despite previous interventions by Trading Standards.
The ruling means that the council has the power to close the shop for up to three months to stop further criminal activity.
Illegal tobacco products are cigarettes or hand rolling tobacco which are either bootlegged or counterfeit, or have been smuggled into the country.
Cllr Finn McGoldrick, Lead Member for Environmental Services and Community Safety, said: “This is another impressive result in our wider crackdown with partner agencies on rogue traders who put profits before public safety; tackling organised criminal activity in Reading and keeping our residents safe.
“I’d especially like to thank Griffin and his handler, Stuart. Detection dogs are highly skilled and can find tobacco and cigarettes hidden in the most unlikely places. Offenders need to know that they will face consequences if they choose to deal in these illegal products. Hopefully, it will also make traders think twice about stocking these products.
“Far from being a victimless crime, those involved in the illegal tobacco trade make it easier for children to start smoking, take advantage of cash-strapped families, and help fund organised crime.”
Police Sergeant Alistair Mathieson, of the Reading Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This was a great result that underpins our lack of tolerance for issues that impact the wellbeing of our communities.
“We are committed to working closely with our partners to tackle this type of offending.
“The public also plays a vital role in helping us tackle offending in our communities. If you have concerns about illegal tobacco or related criminality, please report it to us.”
