East Ayrshire Trading Standards, supported by Police Scotland, has seized illicit tobacco products from two local businesses thanks to the discerning nose of specially trained sniffer dog Boo – who found the items despite an attempt to conceal their whereabouts with chilli powder.
Visits to three premises in Kilmarnock and Stewarton following tip-offs from members of the public resulted in the seizure of the illicit goods when Boo, a four-year-old Labrador/German Wirehaired Pointer Cross, led Officers to their hiding place.
Councillor Graham Barton, Cabinet Spokesperson for Trading Standards at East Ayrshire Council, said: “Thanks to a culmination of intelligence from various sources, including vigilant members of the public, we were able to pinpoint the premises and carried out our visits accompanied by our colleagues in Police Scotland.
Boo poses for the camera (image credit: East Ayrshire Trading Standards)
“Boo proved her worth as always, quickly finding the products we were after, despite the best efforts of the culprits to conceal the evidence – in one case Boo was able to find them even although they were concealed behind a false panel at the back of a cupboard which contained large quantities of chilli powder in a futile attempt to foil her sense of smell.
“This is another important step in our bid to protect both businesses and public from the hazards presented by this illicit trade. We already know that ordinary tobacco is dangerous enough to health, but fake cigarettes are much more harmful both healthwise and financially.
“The people making and supplying these products use the proceeds to fund further crimes including the smuggling of weapons, drugs, and human beings across the globe.
“In local terms they’re also undercutting genuine businesses, avoiding tax and depriving the Treasury of funds which could be contributing to our health services, schools and infrastructure.
“The good news is that thanks to Boo, her handler and our dedicated Trading Standards team, we’ve now seized illicit tobacco eight times over the last 30 months, including the largest ever individual seizure of illicit tobacco by a TS service in Scotland.
“Over this time we have removed 23,573 packets of illicit tobacco from circulation – this equates to a cost of £359,723 to the genuine trade at an approximate cost of £15.26 per pack (this is the cost of an average packet according to Ash Scotland).
“While we can be satisfied that the culprits in this crime have been caught this time and will face punishment, we know that it’s an ongoing issue. And we can’t stress enough how grateful we are to all those whose vigilance and the care they take to report suspicions and supply information are vital to our teams.
“In East Ayrshire we pride ourselves in working together with partner organisations, our businesses and communities to improve wellbeing and prosperity for all, building wealth in the community. The success of this latest mission is proof that this partnership approach works very effectively to improve life and safety for all.”
