News / Animals
Illegal tobacco sniffer dogs hit the streets
Sniffer dogs trained to track down illegal tobacco are being taken onto the streets of Bristol in a bid to crack down on fake and import products.
Trading Standards officers from Bristol City Council, supported by Smokefree South West, were joined by detection dogs at the Illegal Tobacco Mobile Unit at Eastville Tesco to raise awareness.
Enforcement teams were attempting to gather intelligence which they hope will lead to raids of shops, bars and private homes where illegal tobacco is commonly sold.
is needed now More than ever
The dogs, part of the Keep it Out campaign, have already helped sniff out thousands of pounds worth of illegal tobacco, which is often hidden in unusual locations like behind fake walls.
Russell Sharland, part of the illegal tobacco prevention at Smoke Free South West, said the number of smokers buying illegal tobacco in the South West had fallen by 20 per cent in the last three years, with the help of Keep it Out.
He added that illegal tobacco is not a “victimless crime”, with dangers to health and a growing income for organised crime groups and traffickers.
Anyone wishing to report the selling of illegal tobacco can report anonymously online to Trading Standards at www.stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk or call the Illegal Tobacco Hotline on 0300 999 0000. They cannot trace your call and will never ask for your name.
Sniffer dogs are taking to the streets to raise awareness and help tackle sales of illegal tobacco. More on #The6 pic.twitter.com/ZjXE6NjSHH
— Made in Bristol TV (@madeinbristoltv) October 26, 2015