Sale, Trafford – Authorities closed a local convenience store for three months after a detection dog uncovered a concealed stash of illegal cigarettes and vapes.
Dora’s Nose Proves Unbeatable in Back-Room Raid
Trafford Council officers brought in Dora, a specially trained spaniel from Wagtail UK, during an enforcement visit to the 7 Day Stop shop on Washway Road. The dog quickly alerted to a hidden compartment in the ceiling of the back room, concealed behind a light fitting. Staff refused to unlock the secret safe, forcing officers to use a crowbar for access.
That discovery marked the beginning of a swift crackdown. Officers also spotted opened cigarette packets under the counter, a telltale sign of single-cigarette sales often tied to underage buyers. Dora’s intervention highlighted how even sophisticated hiding spots fail against canine expertise.[1][2]
Seized Goods Reveal Scale of the Operation
Inside the safe, authorities recovered 1,226 counterfeit cigarettes, five pouches of hand-rolling tobacco, and 38 single-use vapes. These items posed health risks due to unknown contents and evaded taxes, undercutting legitimate businesses.
A follow-up visit days later exposed further defiance: workers had begun rebuilding the damaged compartment. Such persistence underscored the shop’s deep involvement in illicit trade. The findings prompted immediate legal action.[3]
Court Steps In with Full Closure Order
Manchester Magistrates’ Court issued a three-month full closure order on February 6, barring all entry to the premises. Trafford Council presented evidence of post-raid maneuvers, including rushed changes to company directors. The new listed director managed other sites, including a Hyde store shuttered in November for identical violations by Tameside Council.
Council teams from Trading Standards, Community Safety, and Greater Manchester Police collaborated on the case. Lawyer James Parry argued successfully that the order was necessary and proportionate. This measure allowed time to consult the building owner on future plans.
Zero-Tolerance Stance Against Illicit Trade
Councillor Rose Thompson, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Community Safety, emphasized the resolve behind the action. “This enforcement action shows that we will not hesitate to take steps to protect our communities from people who sell illegal products that can damage health and undermine the livelihoods of reputable traders who follow the rules,” she stated.[1]
Trafford maintains a firm policy against such activities, which fund broader criminality. Officials praised the multi-agency effort and Dora’s pivotal role. Similar operations continue across Greater Manchester to safeguard public health and fair competition.
Key Takeaways
- Dora detected a ceiling safe staff wouldn’t open, leading to crowbar seizure of over 1,200 cigarettes and dozens of vapes.
- The shop attempted repairs and director changes, linking it to another closed site in Hyde.
- A three-month closure reflects Trafford’s zero-tolerance approach to protect communities and honest traders.
Dora’s success demonstrates the power of innovative enforcement in curbing illegal tobacco sales, ensuring safer streets and stronger local economies. What do you think about using sniffer dogs in these raids? Tell us in the comments.
