Police are in search of the owner of a van believed to be used as a "shop" to sell illegal cigarettes, illegal e-cigarettes and canisters of nitrous oxide.

Officers seized the vehicle a week ago as part of an operation in partnership with Bolton Council's Trading Standards team in the area of Daubhill.

According to the authorities they attended Longfield Road on January 18 after intelligence from residents about a van believed to be used as a "shop" for illicit cigarettes, illicit e-cigarettes and canisters of nitrous oxide.

The Bolton News: Some of the illegal e-cigarettes

They seized almost 12,000 cigarettes, more than 200 e-cigarettes and more than 40 canisters of nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, which has a number of uses but is used by some as a recreational substance.

The vehicle, which had black bags believed to be used as shopping bags inside it, is in an impound and the search for the owner of it is ongoing.

ALSO READ: Raid by council and GMP seizes £4m of illicit tobacco.

Sue Haworth, Bolton Council's cabinet member for regulatory services, said: "Those who sell illegal products will find various ways to try and operate but we will continue to crackdown on this.

"Illegal tobacco, cigarettes, vapes and the misuse of nitrous oxide have a detrimental impact on society.

ALSO READ: Farnworth off-licence loses licence over illicit tobacco.

"Thanks to the work of Trading Standards and the police, this is another significant amount of dangerous and illegal goods taken off our streets.

"Trading Standards rely on local intelligence as to where suspected illegal trading is taking place, so we encourage residents to get in touch if they have any information."

Anyone with information can contact Trading Standards on 0808 223 1133 or trading.standards@bolton.gov.uk.
 

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.