Hidden Cash and Illicit Tobacco Discovered by Detection Dogs in Leominster Enforcement Operation

Hundreds of packets of illicit cigarettes and tobacco, along with more than £17,000 in cash, were seized during a joint operation at a shop in Leominster on Tuesday 2 December.

Officers from the Leominster and Hereford Safer Neighbourhood Teams, supported by Herefordshire Trading Standards, attended Rayan Mini Market on Drapers Lane following community reports of illegal sales.

Griff, a specialist tobacco detection dog, was deployed during the operation and located 157 pouches of illegal hand-rolling tobacco and 406 packets of cigarettes inside a vehicle at the rear of the premises. The total estimated duty evasion for the seized tobacco is £9,704.78.

A significant amount of cash was also discovered concealed inside a fridge within the shop. In total, £17,660.46 was recovered.

An interim closure order has now been imposed on the premises, with a further closure being sought at a hearing at Hereford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

A second premises in Eign Gate, Hereford, was also visited, where officers found a smaller quantity of illegal tobacco and disposable vapes being sold from behind the counter.

Police Sergeant Duncan Reynolds

“Working alongside our partners at Trading Standards, we visited two stores following intelligence that illegal tobacco and vaping products were being sold.

“We successfully seized hundreds of illegal tobacco items and more than £17,000 in cash linked to their sale. We will continue to target retailers involved in selling counterfeit tobacco and illicit vaping products to protect our communities.

“The black market in illegal goods undermines legitimate businesses and is often linked to organised criminal networks and modern-day slavery.”