his policedog Scamp is very skilled at his work. So clever, in five years, has sniffed out illegal indsmuglet tobacco for over 50 million dollars.
in Fact Scamps nose so good, that the criminals have raffled off a bounty on what amounts to 214.000 Danish kroner for the dog, which obviously poses a great threat to those who profit from tobacco smuggling in the Uk.
It writes among other Wales Online.
The skilled springerspaniel is now forced to keep a low profile after having helped to dismantle a number of cases of illegal tobacco in Birmingham, Newcastle, Great Yarmouth, Northampton and Sussex.
Scamp in action. Photo: WALES NEWS SERVICE
According to its owner, 40-year-old Stuart Phillips, is the Scamp highly unpopular among the traffickers.
– We have been forced to stop working in one part of the country, because there was a bounty of 25,000 british pound on its head. It was believed to come from an organized criminal grouping, and the relevant authorities were informed, says Stuart Phillips.
He also says that he himself has received several death threats, just like his windshield has been smashed and his tires cut up.
– It is actually understandable when you are doing some very nasty people sure, he says.
Stuart Phillips is working with specialtræne as detection dogs to sniff out weapons, drugs, explosives, tobacco, meat and dead people. Through the years he has worked with over 100 local police departments on, and especially tobakssmuglings industry provides plenty of work for Stuart and Scamp.
the Duo Stuart and the Scamp has been obliged to stop working in a part of England. Photo: WALES NEWS SERVICE
– It (the illegal contraband tobacco, red.) is available on the social media, through Facebook, and in Wales we have what is often called smoke-houses – people who are selling from their home.
the Cigarettes are sold according to Stuart Phillips ‘pocket money prices’, which makes them more accessible for children, and for people who would otherwise not be able to afford to smoke tobacco.
Scamps sharp nose can intercept tobacco in the long distance. Photo: WALES NEWS SERVICE
Photo: WALES NEWS SERVICE
But the worst thing is, according to the 40-year-old specialhundetræner, to people who are purchasing illegal cigarettes, often completely ignorant of finances other and far more dangerous criminal markets.
– They are not just buying cheap cigarettes and cheap hjemmeruls-tobacco. It has a direct connection to another crime. Illegal tobacco is linked to drugs, weapons and can be attached to trafficking in human beings and sexual exploitation of children, says Stuart Phillips.
