ILLEGAL cigarettes and tobacco have been discovered at a shop in Ellesmere Port following a tip off from the public.

The joint agency activity was carried out by officers from Cheshire West and Chester Council’s trading standards services and the North West Illicit Tobacco Team.

Information provided by members of the public also led to the discovery of a quantity of illegal cigarettes and tobacco at a store in Chester.

Non-duty paid cigarettes and tobacco – which cannot legally be sold in the UK - were seized and investigations continue into the matter.

Vanessa Griffiths, head of CWAC’s regulatory services, said: “People involved in dealing in illegal tobacco may be encouraging others, including children, to smoke by providing a cheap source.

“Offenders need to know that they will face consequences if they choose to deal in illegal tobacco.”

Councillor Lynn Riley, executive member for localities, added: “We, along with partner agencies, are working together to cut the supply of and demand for cheap illegal tobacco.

”Its low price and easy availability encourages people to keep smoking, and children and young people are often targeted by unscrupulous traders. This enforcement action is therefore welcomed”.

Anyone with information regarding the sale of illegal tobacco can give information confidentially to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506, or the Trading Standards North West Illicit Tobacco Team on 01925 442466.