In a bold new pilot scheme, ASH Wales has teamed up with local enforcement teams to trial the use of a trained detection sheep in rural areas of Wales. Blodwyn – a three-year-old Llanwenog ewe from Ceredigion – has been specially trained to detect the sweet, synthetic aromas commonly associated with illicit vapes, and the distinctive, earthy odours often found in counterfeit tobacco products.

The idea came about as part of our wider efforts to explore new ways of supporting the strong enforcement work already happening across Wales. With illegal products turning up in more creative hiding spots – from hollowed-out crisp boxes to fake cereal packaging – we saw an opportunity to trial a different approach. Blodwyn offers a light-hearted but surprisingly sharp tool in our toolkit, bringing an added level of interest and an impressive sense of smell to spot what shouldn’t be there.

In her first field test last week, Blodwyn successfully sniffed out 47 illegal vapes concealed behind a row of tinned tomatoes in a corner shop near Llanidloes. Her reward? A handful of sheep nuts and a scratch behind the ears.

Suzanne Cass, CEO of ASH Wales, said: “Illegal vapes and tobacco are getting harder to spot, and we’re having to think outside the box… or in this case, inside the pen. Blodwyn is a local legend already, and if this pilot works, who knows what could be next?”

Blodwyn’s handler, who has worked with trained dogs in the past, said he first noticed her talent during lambing season, when she kept lingering near a farmhand’s backpack – which later turned out to contain a pouch of rolling tobacco. “She’s got a real nose for it. She’s particularly drawn to sweet, fruity vape scents. If she stomps once, it means she’s caught a whiff. If she baas twice, we’ve usually got a match.”

Still with us?

APRIL FOOLS!

As much as we’d love to see Blodwyn patrolling corner shops, we’re not quite there yet. But the issue itself is far from a joke.

Illegal tobacco and vapes remain a serious and growing concern in Wales. Our latest Youth Vaping Survey found that 55% of children who vape are using products likely to be illegal. These products are not compliant with UK laws and often make their way into children’s hands via corner shops, social media platforms, or even through friends and family.

The scale of the issue is often underestimated. An estimated 88,000 people in Wales buy illegal tobacco each year, and roughly 10% of the tobacco market is illegal.

This isn’t just about dodgy corner shop deals. These sales are fuelling a wider system of organised crime, where profits may be used to fund other criminal activities. Young people are being drawn in by cartoon-like packaging, sweet flavours, and low prices, a combination designed to hook them early.

That’s why we’re working closely with Trading Standards and local authorities across Wales. With the right tools, information, and public support, we can tackle illegal sales head-on – helping to protect children’s health and safeguard our communities.

Want to report illegal tobacco or vapes in your area?

Report anonymously at noifs-nobutts.co.uk