OFFICIALS have promised to come down hard on illegal tobacco traders after a sniffer dog found contraband in a hidden compartment in an off-licence.

Judith Hedgley, Middlesbrough Council’s environmental health and Trading Standards manager and Edward Kunonga, Middlesbrough Council’s director of public health, issued the warning to all those involved in the illicit tobacco trade.

It follows a court case where 11,000 illicit cigarettes and 500g of hand-rolling tobacco were found by a the canine crime fighter in a the town shop.

Ms Hedgley said: “Tackling the illicit tobacco trade is a priority in Middlesbrough to protect public health and to reduce crime.

“Those involved in the sale of illicit tobacco are using increasingly sophisticated methods to avoid being caught, but we are also rising to the challenge, using better surveillance and resources like the tobacco sniffer dogs.

“Buying illicit tobacco brings organised crime into local communities. However, Trading Standards staff will continue to carry out robust

enforcement of both retail and private premises to drive out illicit tobacco.”

Mr Kunonga said that Middlesbrough had one of the highest smoking rates in the country, with half of all deaths attributed to smoking related diseases.

“Illicit tobacco makes it easier for people to start smoking, to smoke more and makes is harder to quit," he said. “This case shows the invaluable role Trading Standards play in reducing the availability of illicit tobacco, tackling health inequalities and protecting our local communities.”

Teesside magistrates heard that trading standards officers raided the Multi Culti store on Linthorpe Road with colleagues from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), North East Scambusters, Cleveland Police and a tobacco detection dog, following complaints.

The team found more than 11,000 illicit cigarettes and 500g of hand-rolling tobacco in a hidden compartment under the counter in the shop. Multi Culti (2014) Ltd pleaded guilty to 25 offences and was fined £500 for each. The court also ordered the company to pay £2,100 costs and a £50 victim surcharge, giving a total penalty of £14,650.

Anyone with information about sales of illicit tobacco or underage sales taking place from retail or house premises can report them on 01642-728869.