Illegal tobacco seized from East Ayrshire store

Members of the public made local trading standards officers aware of the issue and during a visit to the store Dixie the consumer protection dog tracked down the problem items. The store concerned has not yet been named due to an ongoing inquiry.

Councillor Jim McMahon, cabinet member for community safety at East Ayrshire Council, said: “Our trading standards team is fully committed to protecting consumers from potentially harmful products like this fake tobacco. Its sale not only risks the health of those who use it, it cheats the treasury of around £5,000 of unpaid duty, it creates an unfair trading environment for other law-abiding traders, who invest in legitimate stock and pay their way in duty and who are often struggling to compete in this difficult economic climate.”

He added: “At the end of the day, we’re also very grateful to members of the public who made us aware of the situation. Our trading standards team exists to protect everyone from harmful products. They are there to help the public in any difficult consumer situation, but it’s a two-way process. Reporting any suspicions or worries about shops or transactions is vital for them to build up a picture and take effective action for the good of the whole community.”