ILLEGAL tobacco worth more than £35,000 was seized during raids on four off-licences and mini-markets.

All four premises, and a house attached to one of the shops, was found to stock illegal cigarettes and tobacco. Most did not carry English health warnings, as required by law.

The shops in Farnham and Haymill were raided by police and council officers as part of an ongoing crackdown on smuggled and counterfeit tobacco.

Dean Cooke, senior trading standards officer, said: “We also think it’s good news for those local traders who sell legitimate products, because the unfair competition is gradually being removed from the marketplace.” Officers, armed with sniffer dogs, hit the stores on Tuesday, September 9. The shopkeepers now face further investigation and possible legal action.

Cllr Sohail Munawar, commissioner for social and economic inclusion with a responsibility for trading standards, said: “We must challenge unscrupulous traders who not only put consumers at risk by selling potentially hazardous products but also deprive legitimate traders of business.” Report illegal tobacco sales to trading standards on 01753 875255.