Raids across Newcastle help seize thousands of illegal cigarettes around the city

Sniffer dogs Scamp and Yo-Yo helped trading standards find the hidden stashes of illegal goods in two West End stores in Newcastle

Sniffer dogs discovered thousands of illegal cigarettes in a series of swoops in Newcastle.

The black market goods were seized by officers from trading standards after targeting shops around the city.

Operation Beagle, led by Newcastle City Council, involved two specially trained dogs alongside the trading standards team.

The English Springer Spaniels, called Scamp and Yo-Yo, sniffed out the illicit goods before they were bagged up and taken away as evidence.

The shop owners now face prosecution following the raids, which were carried out after officers spent months gathering intelligence.

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