An elaborate hiding place for fake cigarettes was discovered by trading standards officers during a raid at a convenience store in Rumworth.
The hide, complete with electronic cover operated by a key fob, was found directly underneath the counter.
Approximately 1300 illicit cigarettes and over 200 non-compliant ecigs were seized.
On 15 June, trading standards raided the premises after receiving complaints from members of the public that the illegal goods were being sold.
Cllr Sue Haworth, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, said:
“These elaborate hidden compartments show the lengths rouge traders will go to when selling illegal goods”.
“Illicit traders may resort to increasingly extreme measures to avoid detection, but nothing will stop us getting these harmful products off our streets”.
“I urge anyone with information about suspected illegal cigarettes or tobacco being sold in our borough to contact trading standards at trading.standards@bolton.gov.uk or call 0808 223 1133.
The shop owner is now under investigation.