11,000 fake cigarettes to be destroyed after raids

Police have found more than 11,000 counterfeit cigarettes during raids on three shops, with some hidden in chairs and concealed compartments.

Cheshire Police raided the shops in Chester and nearby Neston with the help of sniffer dogs on Thursday.

The force said the shops, an off licence and two vape stores, were suspected of being linked to "organised immigration crime".

Police said the cigarettes, which will now be destroyed, were hidden in "sophisticated concealment" spots. One shop had 7,000 fake cigarettes on its premises, the force said.

Det Sgt Andy Mason said the raids had "considerably disrupted the efforts of those looking to benefit from criminal activity".

He added: "We have seen links between the sale of these illicit substances and organised immigration crime and modern slavery offences, which is why we are committed to doing all we can to identify those involved."

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