Counterfeit tobacco and single use vapes, which are now illegal, were seized from businesses in Stirling during an inspection by Trading Standards Officers and Community Police officers on 11 June.
The suspected illegal tobacco products which were seized had an estimated resale value of between £2000 to £2500.
Cllr Jen Preston, Convener of Stirling Council’s Environment, Transport and Net Zero Committee, which oversees Trading Standards, said: “Buying cheap, counterfeit tobacco helps organised criminals to function in our communities and puts people at risk of harm.
“It’s also important to recognise that illegal goods do not go through regulated safety testing or quality control procedures, which means you can’t be sure what’s in them.
“Carrying out this proactive operation shows the value of partnership working and has resulted in identifying a significant amount of illicit – and potentially unsafe – tobacco which we have removed from circulation.
“I’d like to thank members of the public who reported concerns to us. The information received really does make a difference in the investigations and I’d encourage anyone with concerns about businesses that may be operating illegally to contact Trading Standards.”
Retailers with concerns should contact their local Trading Standards.
