THOUSANDS of illegal cigarettes have been seized from a house in Leigh following an anonymous tip-off.

Wigan Council's trading standards team raided the house on Maple Crescent on Thursday and seized over 53,000 cigarettes and twelve kilos of loose tobacco, 10 of which are believed to be fake.

It was the fifth raid to take place in recent weeks in the area and marked the largest single seizure of cigarettes to date for the trading standards team.

Earlier this month and last month, illegal tobacco was seized from four shops and pubs in Wigan, Hindley, Leigh and Atherton and another premises had its alcohol licence refused after the applicants were caught selling illegal cigarettes.

Councillor Kevin Anderson, cabinet member for communities at the council, said: “The trading standards team have been very busy recently and their hard work has paid off. I find it extremely worrying that licensed premises are attempting to rip customers off and put their lives at risk for the sake of a few quid.

“Those caught selling counterfeit goods are in serious danger of losing their licence. I’d like to thank the public and local businesses for contacting the team and reporting these crimes.”

Anyone who knows of a similar issue can contact the trading standards team in confidence on 01942 827476 or email ts@wigan.gov.uk or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.