K-9s to sniff out illegal tobacco in East Sussex

Sniffer dogs have been deployed into East Sussex this week on the hunt for illegal tobacco.

The trade of illegal tobacco is linked to organised crime groups and reports also suggest the sale of it also makes it easier for children to start smoking.

To sniff out the tobacco Trading Standards officers from East Sussex County Council will be joined by specially-trained tobacco detection dogs, Scamp, Phoebe and Yoyo.

On Tuesday they will be in St Leonards on Sea and be in Eastbourne the rest of the week.

The dogs, which are all ex-rescue dogs, have already helped officers sniff out thousands of pounds worth of illegal tobacco, which is often hidden behind fake walls or in unusual locations on the inside and outside shops.

Information about where illegal tobacco is being sold often comes from members of the public.

This initiative, which is part of ‘The Keep It Out’ campaign aims to help the public know what illegal tobacco looks like; what the dangers are, and encourages them to keep their eyes open and report illegal tobacco being sold in their neighborhood.