Man arrested after Wisbech raid uncovers more than 14,000 illegal cigarettes and 1.3kg of tobacco

A man has been arrested after 14,000 illegal cigarettes and 1.3 kilograms of tobacco were found during three separate police raids in Wisbech.

The raids were carried out with the help of tobacco detection dogs from Wagtail who sniffed out the hidden illegal substances.

Wagtail International is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of detection dogs for UK and international operations,

The operation was carried out by Cambridgeshire Trading Standards officers with support from Cambridgeshire Police and HM Revenue and Customs.

Val Thomas, public health consultant at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “We work very closely with our trading atandards officers and are pleased their diligent action has resulted in this illegal tobacco being withdrawn.

“We know that traders in illicit tobacco target the poorest communities and vulnerable young people with cheap affordable tobacco.

“It can encourage the uptake of smoking and does not support those who are trying to quit.”

She added that the work of trading standards plays an important role in helping to prevent smoking and reduce the risks for smokers of heart disease, stroke and cancer.

“We want to see health improvements in this county and with poor and disadvantageous communities and young people often the target of this cheap tobacco, it does not encourage people to quit.

“Offenders need to know that they will face consequences if they choose to deal in these illegal products.”