Thousands of pounds worth of illegal cigarettes have been seized following an operation in Borehamwood.

The goods were found in a lock-up container in Shenley Road after Hertfordshire Trading Standards secured a warrant from the court.

With the help of a specialist tobacco detection dog employed by trading standards, around 1,000 packets of cigarettes were discovered worth up to £7,000.

A quantity of alcohol without duty stamps on and foreign labelled medication, including prescription-only drugs, were also seized. Further enquiries are continuing around those responsible for the items.

Hertfordshire Constabulary and Hertsmere Borough Council were also involved in the operation which took place on February 2.

Ian Aldridge, Hertfordshire Constabulary’s police licensing officer for Hertsmere, said: "Purchasing a cheap packet of cigarettes may seem like you’re getting a harmless bargain, but the importation of illegal tobacco and cigarettes helps to fund organised crime such as human trafficking.

"These cigarettes are also unregulated so there is no way of knowing what harmful ingredients they may contain.

"We’re working hard in Hertsmere to crack down on this illegal activity and I would urge smokers not to buy these items and to instead consider the bigger criminal implications and report sellers to police."

Council leader Morris Bright added: "This successful operation is part of our ongoing strategy to tackle the sale of illegal tobacco. Not only do those involved in the distribution of illegal tobacco undermine legitimate businesses, they also encourage people, including young people, to risk their health by smoking and providing cheaper and unregulated products.

"This ongoing campaign should send out a clear warning to shopkeepers that we will take action to stop illicit trading of this nature. Any business owners who are unclear about the law should contact us for advice."