HUNDREDS of illicit cigarettes and pouches of tobacco were uncovered in Clacton in a series of raids.

Trading Standards officers, with sniffer dog Bertie, attended at several premises.

Bertie sniffed out tobacco hidden behind a secret panel at one shop, which we have agreed not to identify at this stage.

Officers had been tipped off by a member of the public who bought a £20 pouch of tobacco from the premises for £5.

They uncovered 160 Mayfair, 220 L&M, 140 Marlborough Gold and 140 cigarettes of a Russian brand. The tobacco included pouches of Golden Virginia, Marlborough and L&M.

It is believed the products were smuggled into the country, avoiding tax, or were counterfeit, potentially containing dangerous substances.

Trading Standards warned it could take action against the premises.

The raids were part of a countywide campaign that saw 3,600 illegal cigarettes recovered in Colchester on Wednesday.