Police Dog Sniffs Out £3,000 of Illegal Vapes

A police dog has played a crucial role in a recent operation that uncovered more than £3,000 worth of illegal vapes, cigarettes, and hand-rolled tobacco. The seizure occurred at two retail locations in Ringwood and Totton, following a collaborative effort between Hampshire police and the county's Trading Standards team.

George, a specially trained sniffer dog, was instrumental in the discovery, locating over 500 illicit items. Some of these products were found concealed in unexpected places, including an armchair and an oven. This operation builds on previous successes, with George having previously helped seize almost £9,000 of similar contraband in New Milton.

Hampshire County Council officials praised the outcome, emphasizing their commitment to partnering with law enforcement to identify and address shops engaging in illegal trade. The council highlighted that such activities harm legitimate businesses and endanger public health. Recent figures from January indicate a significant trend, with trading standards officers in south-east England having seized over three million illegal vaping products in the past five years.