Illegal tobacco seized in Gateshead shops thanks to sniffer dogs Finn and Gunner

Sniffer dogs have been used in searches for illegal cigarettes in some Tyneside shops.Cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco were seized from two convenience shops in Bensham, Gateshead, after intelligence indicated that illegal tobacco was being sold at the premises. At one store, the cigarettes were hidden in a planter under a sink, while in the other cigarettes were hidden in a cupboard behind the counter. The illegal tobacco was either counterfeit or was not labelled in English and duty had not been paid on any of the seized tobacco.Both the shopkeepers now face prosecution by Gateshead Council. Dog handlers George and Chris, along with springer spaniel dogs Finn and Gunner work for local company Assetwatch Ltd, based in Northumberland

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/illegal-tobacco-seized-gateshead-shops-9806870