Charity shop among stores raided for illegal goods

Two sniffer dogs were used in the raids, the council said

Raids on three stores, including a charity shop, uncovered illegal cigarettes, vapes and tobacco valued at about £50,000, a council said.

Several suitcases, boxes and bags filled with fake and illegal cigarettes and tobacco were found in the charity shop in Telford, Shropshire, along with other items worth in total more than £47,000.

Telford and Wrekin Council said nearly £6,000 of goods were found in a Donnington store, including some hidden behind a wall.

A search of a Dawley shop turned up empty boxes and wrappers but also oversized vapes worth about £250 hidden under a cabinet.

Two sniffer dogs, along with police officers and council staff, took part in the raids, councillor Richard Overton said.

"This is a new low; using a charity shop shows there are no limits as to how far these people will go," he added.

The raids uncovered thousands of pounds of illegal tobacco products including in suitcases at a charity shop, Telford and Wrekin Council said