A JOINT operation between consumer watchdogs and police has seen suspected counterfeit cigarettes valued at up to £35,000 seized.

Trading standards and neighbourhood police impounded between 2,000 and 2,500 packs of various cigarettes from three homes in Chapel Street, Brierfield.

Police say that thousands of pounds in cash was also recovered from one of the locations.

An inquiry has now been launched to see whether any of those detained have breached consumer protection legislation.

Dawn Robinson, principal officer for Lancashire County Council Trading Standards Service, said: "We worked with the police to execute warrants at three homes in Brierfield.

"A large quantity of incorrectly labelled illicit tobacco products was seized from one address, estimated at between 2,000 to 3,000 packs with a value of £25,000 to £35,000. These packs were a mixture of brands and incorrectly labelled, with some being counterfeit.

"We also seized £3,000 in cash, which we suspect may be the proceeds of crime.

"A small quantity of illicit tobacco was also seized at a second address, with nothing being found at the third address visited.

"Illegal tobacco helps to support organised crime, and research shows that a higher percentage of child smokers buy illicit tobacco than adult smokers. Availability of cheap illegal tobacco also helps to keep smoking rates high."

A Nelson Police spokesman added: “These were intended for sale in local shops and off licences dealing in unsafe products and sold without VAT.

“This saving on tax is used to fund organised crime and affects all our communities and buying these illegal products only serves to provide these criminals with a lavish unearned lifestyle."

The raids occurred days after taxi call handler Razwan Khan, 37, of Hilldrop Road, Nelson, was given a suspended prison sentence by Manchester magistrates for trying to sneak 64,400 non duty-paid cigarettes into the UK through Manchester Airport, to evade duty totalling £22,589.