FAKE handbags and illegal tobacco were seized during an operation at a market near Hartley Wintney.

Officers from Trading Standards and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) recovered nearly £40,000 worth of goods at Blackbushe Market on Sunday.

A sniffer dog detected nearly 4kg of hand-rolled tobacco, and another 1kg was voluntarily surrendered. The tobacco was found in vehicles used by some traders.

It had a street value of £1,580 and amounted to £970 in lost tax revenue.

Other items recovered included 637 fake UGG boots, 36 ICE watches, DVDs and designer handbags, with a total street value of more than £36,000.

A seller had been formally warned and banned earlier this year for selling illegal tobacco, but further information on what was being sold at the market led to the raid.

Bob Gaiger, HMRC spokesman for Hampshire and Surrey, said: “HMRC works with other law enforcement agencies to target anyone we suspect is selling or smuggling illicit tobacco.

“We relentlessly pursue any individuals or crime gangs believed to be involved in this type of criminal activity. It is not a victimless crime and undermines the efforts of legitimate traders.”