A FOUR-LEGGED detective embarked on a successful assignment when he sniffed out more than 3,000 illegal tobacco products.
East Ayrshire’s Trading Standards Service enlisted the help of Dixie the Tobacco Detection Dog to discover concealed stocks.
The mission was extremely successful with Dixie sniffing out almost 3,000 cigarettes and 50 packs of tobacco, which were then seized from two shops in East Ayrshire by the team.
Among the items seized were hundreds of banned 10-packs of cigarettes. The ten pack was banned last year as part of a change to the smoking law in an attempt to deter young people from starting smoking. It is believed that the banned 10-packs found by Dixie were being sold to children.
Cumnock and New Cumnock Councillor, Jim McMahon, said: “This latest intervention by our Trading Standards team highlights the Council’s commitment to protecting children and young people in East Ayrshire from the danger of tobacco. This should serve as a warning to those who are involved in selling tobacco products to remain vigilant.”
If you suspect a retailer is selling tobacco products to under 18s, e-mail trading.standards@east-ayrshire.gov.uk or call them on 01563 576602.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here