Neighbourhood officers seize cigarettes and tobacco worth more than £4k

GMP’s Neighbourhood Policing Team based in South Manchester have seized illegal cigarettes and tobacco worth more than £4,000.

As part of Neighbourhood Policing Week, officers joined forces with Trading Standards to conduct a premises visit in Levenshulme on Monday 22 January, seizing 198 packs of cigarettes with a retail value totalling approximately £2,376 as well as 24 packs of 50g hand rolling tobacco with a retail value totalling approximately £900, totalling £3,276.

In addition, 24 packs of nicotine pouches worth £60 and 11 packs of shisha totalling £869 were also seized, bringing the total value of items seized to £4,205.

Sergeant Stuart Farrell of GMP's COM South Neighbourhood Team, said: “This was an intel-led visit with partner agencies which resulted in seizure of thousands of pounds worth of illegal products, some of which were concealed in a hidden compartment within the shop.  

“Neighbourhood officers will continue to carry out joint visits of this nature and have a number of visits planned in the coming weeks to local businesses. These types of illegal and unsanctioned products are potentially harmful to health and will be seized.

“Our partnership working with Trading Standards happens all year round and we have more activity planned in the coming weeks.

"As a force, Greater Manchester Police are committed to making communities safer and better places to live and work, and we will always work closely with community members to ensure we achieve this.

"If there is anything anyone is concerned about relating to illicit cigarettes, tobacco and other products I would encourage them to contact us via 101 or through the Live Chat function on the website www.gmp.police.uk.

"Information can also be passed through the independent charity - Crimestoppers - on 0800 555 111."