Detection dog leads illegal cigarette raids in Reading
Closure Order served after Griffin and Trading Standards finds
A detection dog named Griffin has played a key role in uncovering thousands of illegal cigarettes at a Reading shop.
In a collaborative action with Reading Council Trading Standards, Thames Valley Police and Operation CeCe, illegal tobacco products were impounded from the Mini Mart on Oxford Road during the operation on Tuesday 2nd June 2026.
Operation CeCe, an initiative by National Trading Standards in partnership with HM Revenue and Customs, aims to combat illegal and counterfeit tobacco products.
Griffin, a Cocker Spaniel, led the search, finding the concealed tobacco in a hidden compartment in the shop's storage area.
Additional searches discovered a large shopping bag filled with illegal tobacco, found on the roof of the neighbouring shop—a suspected attempt to avoid detection.
Over 13,000 counterfeit cigarettes were seized, with a potential illegal market value of £4,500, and will be destroyed.
Following criminal activity linked to the sale of illicit tobacco, the premises had been issued a Closure Notice on 8th June 2026.
Reading Magistrates’ Court granted a formal Closure Order on 10th June, allowing the council to close the premises for up to three months under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Cllr Finn McGoldrick, Lead Member for Environmental Services and Community Safety, highlighted the success of the operation, "This is another impressive result in our wider crackdown with partner agencies on rogue traders who put profits before public safety; tackling organised criminal activity in Reading and keeping our residents safe.
"I’d especially like to thank Griffin and his handler, Stuart. Detection dogs are highly skilled and can find tobacco and cigarettes hidden in the most unlikely places. Offenders need to know that they will face consequences if they choose to deal in these illegal products. Hopefully, it will also make traders think twice about stocking these products.
"Far from being a victimless crime, those involved in the illegal tobacco trade make it easier for children to start smoking, take advantage of cash-strapped families, and help fund organised crime."
Police Sergeant Alistair Mathieson, of the Reading Neighbourhood Policing Team, also commented on the operation, "This was a great result that underpins our lack of tolerance for issues that impact the wellbeing of our communities.
"We are committed to working closely with our partners to tackle this type of offending.
"The public also plays a vital role in helping us tackle offending in our communities. If you have concerns about illegal tobacco or related criminality, please report it to us."