Man arrested after 116,000 illegal cigarettes and 27kg of tobacco seized in Dumfries

A man has been arrested after a multi-agency operation seized a haul of illegal cigarettes and tobacco in Dumfries.

Community officers executed five warrants in the town centre on Wednesday, October 28, alongside officers from Trading Standards and HMRC.

An estimated 116,000 illegal cigarettes and 27kg of tobacco were seized by officers and one man was arrested in connection.

HMRC is now leading the investigation, which has been a months-long joint effort by local authorities.

Inspector Callum Dalgleish-Little said: “This is a significant recovery and the result of many months of work by a team of officers.

“We will continue to work with our partners to deter and detect this type of criminality in our community, using every tool and tactic at our disposal.

“I would encourage anyone with information about illegal cigarettes or tobacco to contact Dumfries and Galloway Council Trading Standards, Police Scotland on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”