POLICE and trading standards officers carried out checks at newsagents across the Southend area in the search for fake tobacco products.

Officers uncovered suspected counterfeit cigarettes and rolling tobacco being sold illegally in two out of four targeted stores.

Officials warned people not to buy the dangerous products, which can sometimes contain human waste.

Sgt Ian Hughes, of the Southend community policing team, said: “The joint operation was also supported by Buster, a trained tobacco sniffer dog from Wagtail Ltd.

“Two of the premises visited provided positive results for illicit tobacco. Southend Trading Standards will continue with their investigation.

“Those purchasing illicit tobacco are often unaware that they are purchasing dangerous substandard quality products and are risking their health.

“Anyone that is aware of this type of activity is encouraged to contact Trading Standards directly or crime stoppers with any information.”

Shops selling illegal products sometime hide them under the counter or behind genuine products.

Mark Flewitt, councillor for housing, planning and public protection, said the products posed “a massive risk” to customers. .

He said: “I have been out to see many outlets who have concern for the tobacco products that they sell and ensure that they are selling to legally aged buyers.

“However not all outlets are so conscious of their responsibilities and the production and sale of counterfeit cigarettes is linked to large-scale organised crime, diverting £3bn in unpaid duty away from public services such as the NHS, and often into the pockets of crime bosses.

“Counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes are more likely to be sold to children than legal cigarettes, as the sellers are only concerned about profit.”