A CRACK down on the sale of illegal cigarettes was carried out in the town today, Wednesday.

The council, Cheshire Police, and HMRC have carried out raids on a number of businesses in Orford this morning to bring those who are selling the illegal tobacco goods to justice.

It is understood four premises around the Orford Lane and Battersby Lane area have been targeted.

A spokesperson from Warrington Borough Council, on behalf of the multi-agency led operation, said: "All agencies involved are committed to tackling alleged criminality and any products suspected of being counterfeit will be seized for further examination.

“Due to the nature of this operation we cannot give any more details at this time.

“But the public should be reassured we are doing everything we can to stop the sale of illicit products and will not hesitate to take further action to get these products off our streets.”

All suspicious goods have now been seized and have been taken away for testing.

Sandra Smith, assistant director in criminal investigation at HMRC, added: “The sale of illegal tobacco and alcohol will not be tolerated by us or our partner agencies. 

“Disrupting criminal trade is at the heart of our strategy to clampdown on the illicit tobacco market, which costs the UK around £2 billion a year, and the sale of illicit alcohol which costs the UK around £1 billion per year. 

"This is theft from the taxpayer and undermines legitimate traders.”

Councillor Tony Higgins (Fairfield and Howley - LAB) said he was happy to see that a crack down on illegal behaviour in the area.

He said: "I fully support the action taken to clamp down on criminal activity as it is giving the area a bad reputation."