Sniffer dog uncovers almost 5,000 packs of illegal tobacco in Worthing

Uncovering nearly 5,000 packs of dangerous, illegal tobacco would be a challenge for some, but it was all in a day’s work for Cooper the sniffer dog.
Cooper by the safe. Photo provided by West Sussex Trading StandardsCooper by the safe. Photo provided by West Sussex Trading Standards
Cooper by the safe. Photo provided by West Sussex Trading Standards

Cooper worked with officers from West Sussex Trading Standards Service to uncover the illegal haul at premises in Worthing.

The talented dog discovered the tobacco during a raid with Trading Standards Officers in December 2020.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He found 4,600 packets of tobacco in the premises and alerted officers that a safe in the building contained more illicit tobacco, a spokesman for West Sussex Trading Standards said.

The owner of the premises denied having the keys to open it.

Unable to open the safe without the key, Trading Standards officers seized the safe and later sought the help of West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (WSFRS) who used specialist equipment to open it up.

The safe contained 209 packets of fake cigarettes and 56 pouches of illicit tobacco, the spokesman confirmed.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

All have been seized by Trading Standards officers and sent for testing.

Fake tobacco and cigarettes come with more health risks and often do not self-extinguish, which can cause fires.

West Sussex Trading Standards Service is continuing to investigate this incident.

Richard Sargeant, West Sussex Trading Standards Team Manager, said: “Sniffer dogs like Cooper play an absolutely vital role in uncovering fake, illegal tobacco and cigarettes.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Without Cooper’s help, Trading Standards officers would never have known it contained so many packs of dangerous tobacco and cigarettes.

“I would also like to say a big thank you to the firefighters from West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service who were able to open the safe using specialist equipment.

“Their skills and help meant we could gain access to the safe without the key. This was an excellent example of partnership working and the involvement of WSFRS will undoubtedly help bring these sellers of fake tobacco and cigarettes to justice.

“Our criminal investigation into this matter continues.”

Deborah Urquhart, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “Stopping the sale of fake tobacco and cigarettes is incredibly important and Cooper, along with Trading Standards officers and WSFRS firefighters, has done an excellent job in uncovering these large stores in Worthing.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Fake tobacco and cigarettes are often much cheaper than legitimate products, making them an attractive option for younger people and therefore encouraging them to start smoking.

“They also come with many health risks and the fact that they often do not self-extinguish makes them particularly dangerous.”

Jon Lacey, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Assistant Chief Fire Officer, said: “We are always happy to support our colleagues across the County Council, and when it became clear that Trading Standards team needed specialist cutting equipment to get into the safe to help them secure evidence from the scene, we were only too happy to offer our support.”

Anyone who thinks they have been a victim of an unfair trading practice, should contact Trading Standards via Citizens Advice on 08082231133 or online via www.westsussex.gov.uk/tsreport