TOBACCO detection dogs sniffed out more than 50,000 illegal and counterfeit cigarettes at five retail premises in Southampton.

Detection dogs YoYo, Maggie and Cooper helped officers to find and seize over 50,000 cigarettes valued at more than £30,000.

They also seized 11 kilograms of hand-rolling tobacco worth over £5,000.

Southampton City Council Trading Standards, Hampshire Police and B.W.Y Canine Ltd - who provided the dogs - carried out the operation on August 7 and 8.

Some of the seized products were smuggled into the country illegally, while others were completely counterfeit.

These illegal tobacco products may have been made in other countries for sale in the UK, or made in the UK in illegal warehouses with no safety standards.

Cllr Lorna Fielker, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care, said: "Counterfeit tobacco is not only illegal, but can be more hazardous to your health, as there is no control over the quality of the contents. Fake tobacco products have been found to contain dangerous chemicals, dust, excessively high tar levels and asbestos.

"It’s also never too late to quit, even if you have smoked for many years. Stopping smoking brings many health benefits and reduces your risks of developing lung disease."

"Many local pharmacies also offer free support to stop smoking: http://www.southampton.gov.uk/health-social-care/health/stopping-smoking/."

To report illicit tobacco go to http://www.stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk/ or call 0300 999 6999.