TWO shops in Worcester have been caught with counterfeit tobacco twice in two weeks.

We previously reported how officers from West Mercia Police and Worcestershire Trading Standards had carried out raids at the un-named shops in the city.

While there, they found thousands of pounds worth of counterfeit tobacco.

Now, two weeks later, the shops have been searched again, with officers finding even more.

A Tweet from Worcestershire Trading Standards said: "Two weeks ago we visited two shops in Worcester where we found and seized illegal tobacco.

"We went back this afternoon with @WorcesterCops and @BWYK9 and found more."

In the initial raid, £10,000 worth of illegal goods was seized, with the police, Trading Standards and a specialist search dog company all involved.

Officers took part in this joint operation as part of the force’s crack down on serious and organised crimes under West Mercia’s Protect campaign.

At the time, West Mercia Police confirmed the businesses and individuals involved are subject to an on-going criminal investigation.

PC Susan Parr said: “Officers from the Problem Solving Hub and Worcester Safer Neighbourhood Team assisted Worcestershire Trading Standards officers with their operation targeting retailers in Worcester City in a bid to tackle the sale of counterfeit and illicit tobacco.

"Working with specially trained search dogs, seizures were made at two premises, where there have been previous seizures of illegal tobacco, significant intelligence reports and test purchases.”

If you are concerned that a Worcestershire retailer is selling illicit or counterfeit tobacco, you can let Trading Standards know via the “Report It” page at www.worcestershirets.gov.uk or telephoning Consumer Direct on 0808-223-1133.