Joint operation recovers £3.5 million worth of illegal tobacco in Dumfries

Illegal cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco worth approximately £3.5 million have been recovered in Dumfries.

Officers executed four warrants in the town centre on Wednesday, 23 July, 2025 alongside officers from Dumfries and Galloway Trading Standards.

Around 500,000 cigarettes, 103kg of hand-rolling tobacco and approximately £7,000 in cash were seized. The recovery is believed to represent a potential loss of over £350,000 in duty and tax.

Three men, aged 25,28 and 31, have been arrested in connection and enquiries are ongoing. The investigation is now being progressed by HMRC.

Inspector Anna Boyd said: “This is a significant recovery, and we will continue to work with our partners to deter and detect this type of criminality.

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

Councillor Andy Ferguson, chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee said:“Officers from our Trading Standards team have taken part in a multi-agency operation this week with Police Scotland and HMRC in relation to illicit tobacco. Tobacco detection dog, Boo, is funded by SCOTSS (The Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland) and helped Trading Standards officers carry out their duties.

“This operation is part of Operation CeCe Scotland – a nationwide partnership between Scottish councils and HMRC together with Police Scotland to tackle the retail sale of illegal tobacco products – and the recovery of these illicit goods is an important achievement in ensuring our communities remain safe and is a great example of successful partnership working.”