Dog sniffs out stash of illegal vapes and tobacco

A shop has been shut after a stash of illegal vapes, cigarettes and tobacco pouches were sniffed out by a detection dog.

Central Bedfordshire Council said Mosytn, a cocker spaniel, helped sniff out the hidden items at L&B Market in Leighton Buzzard on 13 June, after "persistent concerns" were raised by residents, schools and other businesses.

The authority said it had also been warned that items had been sold to children.

A three-month closure order was approved at Luton Magistrates' Court.

The council said the closure order "makes it a criminal offence to enter the premises".

"It was granted in response to persistent concerns from residents, schools and businesses about the shop's ongoing sale of illegal tobacco and vapes, including sales to minors over the past year," it added.

In total, 451 vapes, 758 cigarette packets and 175 tobacco pouches were sniffed out.

The council said eight-year-old Mostyn, a tri-coloured cocker spaniel, had worked with his handler for five years to detect tobacco and vapes.

He is part of Specialist K9's Limited, which provides detection dogs for various purposes.

Independent councillor John Baker, the council's executive member responsible for public protection, said: "This action sends a strong message that we will not tolerate the sale of illegal or harmful products in our communities.

"Businesses that break the law and put young people at risk have no place in Central Bedfordshire.

"We're grateful to residents and local partners who helped us gather the evidence needed to take strong enforcement action, and we will continue working together to keep our neighbourhoods safe."

The council said anyone who suspected the sale of illegal or counterfeit tobacco products or vapes could report it anonymously.

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