A specially trained dog helped authorities uncover a major haul of illegal tobacco and vaping products in a raid in Dunstable, U.K. Leo, from Specialist K9’s Limited, assisted Central Bedfordshire Council’s trading standards team, HMRC, and Bedfordshire Police in locating nearly 300,000 illegal cigarettes, 11.3 kg of hand-rolling tobacco, and 303 disposable vapes. A nearby flat, accessed via keys carried by a man found at the shop, held a “significant quantity of illicit goods,” bringing the total value of seized items to around £200,000.
John Baker, Independent executive councilor for finance and highways, said the operation highlighted the risks posed to public health and legitimate businesses by the sale of illicit products. “We will continue to take firm action against those who break the law,” he said.