Cigarettes stashed in hidden 'James Bond' wall

A haul of illegal cigarettes worth £4,000 has been found hidden in a James Bond-style wall, police say.

Officers from Newcastle Trading Standards and Northumbria Police found 245 packs of illegal cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco behind a remote-controlled stone structure in a shop cellar in Heaton, Newcastle.

The trading standards team's cocker spaniel, named Griff, led officers to the blank wall which featured a hidden drawer, camouflaged by brick and stone.

A trading standards spokesperson said the team was investigating the shop owner with a view to prosecution.

Further searches found a hidden remote control nearby which, when pressed, slid open a heavy stone wall next to where Griff had indicated.

The illicit haul, which has not had duty paid on it, was seized and would be destroyed, police confirmed.

Councillor Alex Hay, deputy leader of Newcastle City Council, said: "I want to thank our police, trading standards officers, and of course Griff for this unusual and impressive find.

"Illegal tobacco isn't just a health risk, it's often linked to organised crime.

"These are not victimless crimes, and the council will take firm action to protect our communities and local high streets."

Gary Sharpe, neighbourhood sergeant of Northumbria Police, added: "This was a cracking discovery, with Griff's keen nose leading to the discovery of a stash of illicit cigarettes and tobacco concealed in a wall.

"Items of this nature can be really harmful to the wider community."

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