Trading Standards take action against illegal cigarette sellers

Midlothian Council’s Trading Standards team has successfully worked with a landlord to close a shop in Penicuik that was selling illegal cigarettes and tobacco.

Visit to premises

During a visit last week with Police Scotland, officers seized 1,400 cigarettes from the premises on John Street. This was the third visit in just over a month, and on each occasion, illegal cigarettes and tobacco were confiscated. In total, 5,520 cigarettes and 56 packs of tobacco were seized, many of which were brands not legally for sale in the UK.

Similar case

This action follows a similar case on 31 August, when a shop on High Street, Dalkeith was closed and tenants evicted after repeated visits by Trading Standards and Police Scotland. In that case, 13,200 cigarettes were seized.

Operation CeCe Scotland

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

How to Spot Counterfeit Goods

Counterfeit tobacco products are often sold at suspiciously low prices and may have packaging without proper health warnings or warnings in English.

Risks

The health risks of smoking are well known, but counterfeit cigarettes pose an even greater danger. They are unregulated and may contain higher levels of harmful chemicals than legal cigarettes. They can also be a fire hazard, as they are unlikely to include safety features that allow cigarettes to self-extinguish.

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 HMRC is vital in removing illegitimate tobacco products from our streets, protecting local communities and honest businesses.

Report It

If you suspect a shop in Midlothian is selling counterfeit goods, report it to Trading Standards:
0131 271 3559 / tradingstandards@midlothian.gov.uk