Thousands of illicit cigarettes, tobacco and unsafe children's toys were seized by Bolton Council during Operation Avro, a multi-agency day of action.
Trading standards officers joined colleagues from Greater Manchester Police, Immigration Enforcement, and specialist dog handlers from Wagtails on Thursday September 17, to carry out targeted inspections of businesses across the borough.
A total of nine premises were visited, and officers seized around 12,000 counterfeit and non-duty paid cigarettes, half a kilogram of hand-rolling tobacco and more than 500 "squishy" toys that failed to meet UK safety standards.
The estimated value of the goods seized exceeds £14,500 and investigations are ongoing.
The operation formed part of Greater Manchester's Operation Avro initiative, which brings together a range of partners to tackle crime, protect communities and target illegal activity.
Councillor Akhtar Zaman, Leader of Bolton Council, said:
“Operation AVRO continues to demonstrate the strength of partnership working between Bolton Council, Greater Manchester Police and our partner agencies.
“By combining our resources and acting on intelligence from local communities, we are delivering real results, tackling crime, disrupting illegal activity and making our neighbourhoods safer places to live, work and visit.
“We would like to thank residents for their ongoing support and encourage anyone with concerns to continue reporting them so that we can take action together.”
Councillor Robert Morrisey Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, said:
“Counterfeit tobacco and non-compliant toys pose a real risk to consumers, the latter of course impacting children.
"I would like to thank our trading standards team and partner agencies for their work in removing these illegal goods from circulation and helping to keep our communities safe."
“With the partnership approach we can take robust action against criminality, anti-social behaviour and other issues that have a direct impact on our communities.”
The council is urging residents to report concerns about counterfeit goods, illicit tobacco sales or unsafe products through the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133 or online at citizensadvice.org.uk