10 C
Manchester
Friday, April 4, 2025
NewsSniffer dog detects thousands of illicit cigarettes

Sniffer dog detects thousands of illicit cigarettes

Dixie, the tobacco detection dog, has been praised after sniffing out illicit tobacco stashed in a Harpurhey shop.

More than 6,000 counterfeit cigarettes seized in November 2021, when Trading Standards officers from Manchester City Council searched B&A Corner Shop, in Cicero Street.

Following a complaint, officers were searching for illicit tobacco that was allegedly being sold from the premises.

Dixie (pictured) and her handler from Wagtail UK, sniffed out the cigarettes and a quantity of hand rolling tobacco, which had been hidden throughout the shop.

After searching behind shelving units and in a back storeroom, a total of 6,020 cigarettes and 750g of hand rolling tobacco were seized.

After being sent away for testing it was determined the items were either counterfeit, or destined for European markets and not intended for sale in the UK.

Defendant Hashmat Ullah-Mohammadzey (33) of Cicero Street, Manchester, pleaded guilty to a string of offences relating to the Trade Marks Act, Tobacco Regulations and Standardised Packaging Regulations, on Monday at Tameside Magistrates Court.

In mitigation he claimed he was “uneducated” and was told to hide the tobacco in the store to prevent it being stolen.

Fined

He was sentenced to pay a fine of £750, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £75 and court costs of £1,499.

A forfeiture order was granted for the seized products.

Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon  said: “This is a positive outcome and I am grateful for the hard work and dedication shown by our Trading Standards officers and legal team.

“Pleading ignorance is no excuse when it comes to selling illicit tobacco and we will always work to ensure that offenders are punished for breaking the law.

“Illicit tobacco causes real and lasting harm to our communities, and we are committed to stubbing out its future sale.”

Helen Greaney
Helen Greaney
I'm a journalist with more than 18 years' experience on local, regional and national newspapers, as well as PR and digital marketing. Crime and the courts is my specialist area but I'm also keen to hear your stories concerning Manchester and the greater North West region.
Latest

Manchester launches vision for new national hub for hydrogen

Manchester is placing itself in prime position to become the home of a new national facility that will be central to the UK’s ambition...

Garden centre run by one family for six decades, up for sale

A garden centre that has been run by the same family for 60 years, is now in need of a new owner. Business property adviser,...

‘Heart of gold’: Darren Orme’s family pay tribute

The family of Darren Orme have paid tribute to him. On March 24, police recovered his body following a search in the Stadium Way area...

New manager appointed for Broadway Baths

Manchester Community Leisure Services (MCLS), the team behind the newly restored  Withington Baths, have been appointed to manage Broadway Baths in New Moston. MCLS was...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Manchester launches vision for new national hub for hydrogen

Manchester is placing itself in prime position to become the home of a new national facility that will be central to the UK’s ambition...

Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity raises £40,000 at 2025 Gala Dinner

A night of dinner, dancing and a surprise DJ set from Andy Burnham has raised £40,000 for the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity – more than...

Interactive roadshows set to help people identify bowel cancer symptoms

Two interactive roadshows are taking place in Manchester to help people identify the symptoms of bowel cancer. New research reveals that 35% of adults in...

Investigators appeal following road traffic collision in Wigan

Police are appealing for witnesses following a road collision in Leigh, Wigan. At around 3pm on Monday, officers were called to the junction of Kirkhall...

More News

Garden centre run by one family for six decades, up for sale

A garden centre that has been run by the same family for 60 years, is now in need of a new owner. Business property adviser,...

‘Heart of gold’: Darren Orme’s family pay tribute

The family of Darren Orme have paid tribute to him. On March 24, police recovered his body following a search in the Stadium Way area...

New manager appointed for Broadway Baths

Manchester Community Leisure Services (MCLS), the team behind the newly restored  Withington Baths, have been appointed to manage Broadway Baths in New Moston. MCLS was...