Police ScotlandA specially trained dog helped police officers seize £24,500 of illegal nicotine products in North Ayrshire.
Labrador/German Wirehaired Pointer ‘Boo’ was present alongside local cops and trading standards officers as they visited a number of stores and public houses selling nicotine products across the county on Monday.
Across the premises visited, around 17,000 illicit cigarettes, 160 illegal tobacco pouches and 1,000 counterfeit vape products were seized from officers – with an estimated value of £24,500.
The dog, specifically trained to sniff out tobacco, was hailed as “outstanding” in assisting the multi-agency operation.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “In continued, intelligence led, multi-agency partnership work, Police Scotland Ayrshire, North Ayrshire Council and a Consumer Protection Dog and handler attended several vape, newsagent and public house premises across North Ayrshire today.
“If you have information on the illegal sale of tobacco or vape products you can report this to Police Scotland on 101, to your local authority Trading Standards Scotland department, or to Crimestoppers Scotland anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
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