Fake cigarettes are seized in raid

FAKE cigarettes have been seized by Trading Standards officers during a raid in Clydebank.

The haul worth £1200 was discovered during a joint operation with Police Scotland officers.

They visited the premises and the goods confiscated included boxes of cigarettes as well as loose tobacco, originating from the Ukraine, Spain and Germany.

Following a tip-off, Trading Standards and Police Scotland visited the premises and carried out a thorough search, during which they discovered a significant quantity of tobacco with foreign labelling.

West Dunbartonshire Councillor Ian Dickson said: “I am pleased to see our Trading Standards team taking robust action against individuals and shops who are selling illicit tobacco. When such products are available on the market, this undermines the legitimate retailers of tobacco and also cheats the exchequer due to tax and duty avoidance.”

Tony Cairns, of Trading Standards, added: “A 66-yearold man was issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice for carrying on a tobacco business while unregistered and he is currently under further investigation regarding alleged tobacco labelling offences.”

Trading Standards will respond to tip-offs and other intelligence received and anyone involved in the illicit tobacco trade is likely to be caught.

The team has powers to enter and inspect premises, and can call on the services of a specially trained sniffer dog where items are heavily concealed.

Upon conviction, offenders can face fines of up to £20,000 or two years in jail.