Tobacco detection dogs Boo and Rosie, who are funded by The Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland (SCOTTS), helped officers carry out their duties.
Trading Standards officers and police from the Stirling Community Team visited three separate premises in Stirling and Alloa over the last fortnight and seized 43,500 cigarettes, more than 14 kilogrammes of illicit rolling tobacco and 1,000 single use vapes, which are now illegal.
Boo, a lab crossed with a German wired haired pointer, and sprocker Rosie play a crucial role in detection. They are trained to identify the specific scent of tobacco and signal to handlers often hidden locations where it is stored, including behind walls or in concealed compartments.
The operation fell under the umbrella of the UK wide Operation CeCe. It is part of the wider strategy HMRC is undertaking to tackle organised crime groups that work internationally to produce and smuggle illegal tobacco products, which are subsequently sold at local retail premises.
Success
Convener of the Environment, Transport and Net Zero Committee, Cllr Jen Preston, said: “Our continued commitment to these operations ensures that honest businesses in our area are protected and also help keep our communities safe.
“The operation was a huge success, with thousands of illegal cigarettes, tobacco and vapes taken off our streets and I would like to thank all officers involved – as well, of course, as Rosie and Boo.
“With the support of our communities, who provide the information that allows focused action on those who profit from this illegal activity, we can ensure our resources are deployed effectively.”
Support and advice to stop smoking can be found on NHS inform.
To report concerns of counterfeit goods, contact Trading Standards, email tradingstandards@stirling.gov.uk or phone Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000.
Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111, or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Stirling and Clackmannanshire businesses can contact Trading Standards with specific queries on tradingstandards@stirling.gov.uk
For more info on the work of our Trading Standards Service please visit: www.stirling.gov.uk/business-and-licences/trading-standards