A QUANTITY of illegal cigarettes has been seized in Southampton this morning. 

PCSO's from Hampshire Police assisted Trading Standards this morning, seizing illegal cigarettes in Shirley High Street.

Sniffer dogs were used to locate the illegal cigarettes.

Fake tobacco products have been found to contain dangerous chemicals, dust, excessively high tar levels and asbestos.

A spokesperson from Hampshire Police said: "We can confirm that two of PCSOs, alongside Trading Standards, conducted a number of checks on stores on Shirley High Street today (17 Feb) in relation to reports of counterfeit cigarettes believed to be in circulation. 

"Trading Standards leading the investigation and as such we have no further update at this time."

To report illicit tobacco visit www.stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk/ or call the Stop Illegal Tobacco Hotline 0300 999 6999.