Midlothian Trading Standards seizes over 9,500 illicit cigarettes

The council’s Trading Standards team aided by Police Scotland and detector dog Boo from Consumer Protection Dogs UK, seized 9,580 illegal cigarettes from a shop in Dalkeith in two recent visits on 26 November and 13 December.  

Prosecution

This haul follows a complaint by a member of the public. The shop could now face prosecution and fines from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).  

Operation CeCe Scotland

Midlothian Trading Standards is part of Operation CeCe Scotland - a nationwide partnership between Scottish councils and the HMRC working with the 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. 

How to spot counterfeit goods

Counterfeit goods can be spotted by unusual packaging that may have spelling errors, modified logos and different colouring. Packaging may also be missing the usual health warnings and might not be in English.

Risks

The health risks of smoking are well documented but counterfeit cigarettes can pose an even greater risk because they are unregulated and could contain higher levels of harmful and unknown chemicals than those sold legally. They are also unlikely to be treated so a left cigarette may not extinguish itself which can be a fire hazard.

Protecting local communities

Cllr Stuart McKenzie, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Trading Standards 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."

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