More than £20,000 worth of illegal vapes and tobacco hidden in two shops in Rochdale have been found and seized.

Greater Manchester Police along with the Rochdale Tutor Unit, Trading Standards and Syke, a tobacco sniffing dog from Wagtail, conducted joint visits to two retail shops in Rochdale where thousands of cigarettes and hundreds of tobacco and illegal vapes were uncovered.

Within the premises, officers found hidden compartments where items were being stored 'knowingly' by staff, including a stash hidden underneath a toilet which Syke was able to find.

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to The Oldham Times’ morning and evening newsletters as well as our breaking news alerts 

The expert sniffer dog was able to find the secret stashThe expert sniffer dog was able to find the secret stash (Image: GMP)

The force seized a total of 1,055 packs of illicit cigarettes, made up of approximately 21,100 cigarettes with a value of approximately £12,660, and 222 packs of hand-rolled tobacco worth £6,216 and 142 illegal vapes.

It is believed the money generated from these sales will be linked to other criminal activity, such as money laundering.

A 34-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.

The man has since been bailed and the investigation is ongoing with trading standards.

Syke assisted trading standards and GMP with the searchSyke assisted trading standards and GMP with the search (Image: GMP)

Inspector Taylor, of our Neighbourhood Policing Unit in Rochdale, said: “This is an excellent example of partnership work conducted by the Rochdale Tutor Unit.

"Not only do student officers learn the importance of working together to achieve similar goals, but they have also tackled serious organised crime in their local area.

“It is likely that these seized items have not been through the rigorous checks required in UK legislation and therefore could have caused serious harm to users.

“These criminal networks pose significant threats to public security and local communities.

A total of £20,580 of illegal goods were foundA total of £20,580 of illegal goods were found (Image: GMP)

"By targeting these groups, law enforcement can reduce crime rates, protect vulnerable people and disrupt serious and organised crime.

“I am extremely proud of the team and their hard work in securing these results through our excellent partnership working with Trading Standards.”

Reports and information can be passed to GMP by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency, or by GMP's Live Chat tool on the website.

Anonymous reports can also be made through the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111.

Got a story? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk