A SECRET stash of counterfeit cigarettes worth £10,000 were discovered in hidden cupboards at a Colchester newsagent.

A clever canine sniffed out hundreds of cigarette and tobacco packs at Geylanii in St Botolph’s Street and a room above.

The discovery was made during one of five raids across Colchester led by Trading Standards and supported by Essex Police.

Insp Lee Devall said: “Following intelligence received a number of warrants were issued to try and disrupt the supply of illegal tobacco.

“We helped Trading Standards execute the warrants and found a quantity of illegal tobacco.

“It has gone well and is a good example of working in partnership."

One man was arrested and bailed while investigations continue.

The raids were part of Operation Trivium targeting foreign criminality.

See today's Gazette for the full story.