A major multi-agency day of action was carried out across the borough on 13 October 2026, bringing together partners from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Immigration Enforcement, Bury Council's Licensing Service and Trading Standards.
The operation focused on tackling the sale of illicit tobacco products, counterfeit goods and other unlawful activities within retail premises. Officers visited six premises across Tottington, Ainsworth, Radcliffe, Whitefield and Bury.
The operation was supported by Wagtail, a specially trained tobacco detection dog, whose assistance helped officers identify concealed tobacco products during inspections.
As a result of the coordinated enforcement activity:
- Three premises were found to be selling or storing unlawful goods.
- One of these premises was identified as selling counterfeit toys.
- The other two premises were found to be in possession of illicit/non-duty paid tobacco products and counterfeit toys.
In total, officers seized:
- 124 packets of illicit cigarettes
- 18 pouches of hand-rolling tobacco (approximately 0.9kg)
- 54 toys suspected of trademark infringement or failing product safety requirements
The estimated street value of the seized goods is approximately £3,000.
This operation forms part of Bury Council's ongoing commitment to tackling so-called "dodgy shops" and preventing businesses from profiting through illegal activity. The Council continues to work closely with partner agencies to identify and disrupt premises involved in the sale of illicit tobacco, counterfeit goods and other criminality that harms local communities.
The sale of illicit tobacco and counterfeit products undermines legitimate traders who operate within the law, deprives the public purse of vital revenue and can expose consumers, including children and young people, to unsafe and potentially dangerous goods. Enforcement activity helps create a level playing field for responsible businesses while protecting residents from harm.
Investigations into the seized items are continuing, and appropriate enforcement action will be considered where offences are identified.
Councillor Gavin McGill, Cabinet Member for Culture and Economy, said:
"This operation demonstrates the strength of partnership working in tackling the illegal trade of tobacco and counterfeit goods across Bury. Businesses that choose to break the law not only put consumers at risk but also gain an unfair advantage over honest local retailers who do the right thing every day.
"Bury Council is committed to tackling so-called 'dodgy shops' and working with our enforcement partners to identify and disrupt criminal activity wherever it occurs. By removing illicit goods from circulation, we are helping to protect residents, support legitimate businesses and ensure our town centres remain safe, fair and welcoming places to live, work and visit."
Ben Thomson, Assistant Director (Public Protection), said:
"Operations such as this demonstrate our continued determination to target businesses involved in the sale of illicit tobacco and counterfeit goods. By bringing together specialist enforcement partners, we are able to make a real impact on criminal activity that undermines local communities, harms legitimate traders and places consumers at risk."