WATCH: £6,000 worth of illegal cigarettes and booze seized in raid on Telford trader

Officers from West Mercia Police, together with Trading Standards, found the large quantity of suspected illegal cigarettes and alcohol in a joint operation in Wellington.

Officers from the Wellington West and Rural Safer Neighbourhood Team, working with officials from Trading Standards carried out a search of a Wellington trader, after being given information from the public.

Cigarettes, tobacco and alcohol, believed to be illegal, were seized in the raids on Wednesday, believed to have a value estimated to be over £6,000.

Pc Dave Worrall said: "We would advise people not to purchase, pass on or smoke any cigarettes or tobacco that they have purchased at very cheap prices.

"If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is.

"Next time people are offered a steal of a buy, we would urge them to pause and consider where the goods came from and where the money is going, before declining and reporting suspicions to police or Trading Standards.

"We would also like to thank the members of the public who have contacted us."

Linda Fletcher, public protection manger for business regulation at Telford & Wrekin Council added: "The sale of illegal tobacco and alcohol is a serious criminal offence and we will take action where appropriate to clampdown on this illegal practice to protect people and support law abiding businesses."

Anyone being offered cheap tobacco or alcohol or other types of illicit goods should report it to Trading Standards by calling the confidential fakes hotline on 0300 303 2636, Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or go to www.telford.gov.uk and report it under the appropriate public protection option.