Illegal tobacco products seized

Midlothian Council’s Trading Standards team aided by Police Scotland and Consumer Protection Dogs UK, seized a total of 3,620 illegal cigarettes and 800g of tobacco from a shop in Dalkeith recently.

Penalty

This haul follows the same shop having nearly 10,000 cigarettes seized in two visits last year and also reports of illegal activity. The business could now face heavy fines from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Common

Premises such as this shop being used as a front for the sale of illegal tobacco is increasingly becoming common throughout the country.

Operation CeCe Scotland

Midlothian Trading Standards is part of Operation CeCe Scotland - a nationwide partnership between Scottish councils and the HMRC together with Police to tackle the retail sale of illegal tobacco products.

Consumer Protection Dogs

Detector dogs are trained to find nicotine products which are hidden and therefore not visible during a routine inspection. The illicit cigarettes and tobacco were found after dismantling cupboards in the back area which had a magnetic operation.

How to spot counterfeit goods

Counterfeit goods can be spotted by their cheap price and packaging. The usual health warnings may also be missing and might not be in English.

Risks

The health risks of smoking are well known but counterfeit cigarettes can pose a greater risk because they are unregulated and could contain higher levels of harmful and unknown chemicals than legal cigarettes. They can also be a fire hazard as they are unlikely to be treated so a left cigarette extinguishes itself.

Protecting local communities

Cllr Kelly Parry, Midlothian Council Leader said: “I welcome this seizure of illegal tobacco products. Our partnership working with Police Scotland and the HMRC is vital work which is helping to take illegitimate tobacco products off our streets and thereby protecting local communities and honest businesses. This seizure sends a clear message that this type of activity will not be tolerated."

Report it

Anyone who suspects a Midlothian shop is selling counterfeit goods, should report it to Trading Standards by calling 0131 271 3559 or by emailing tradingstandards@midlothian.gov.uk