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Counterfeit cigarettes seized in Clydebank in Trading Standards action

A pile of various counterfeit cigarette and tobacco packets seized by Trading Standards officers

Published 05 June 2026

West Dunbartonshire Council’s Trading Standards team seized almost 30,000 illegal cigarettes this week after two days of enforcement action in the area.

Officers visited six shops in Clydebank, Dumbarton and Alexandria on Tuesday 2 June and Wednesday 3 June following concerns reported to them by community members.

The activity – supported by Police Scotland’s local community officers and the Home Office – resulted in the seizure of 29,540 counterfeit cigarettes and 9.9kgs of hand rolling tobacco.

The counterfeit items were discovered with the help of specialist detection dogs from Consumer Protection Dogs.

Trading Standards officer inspecting illegal tobacco products during an enforcement operation in Clydebank, with detection dogs

A five-figure sum of cash was also discovered and seized by Police Scotland.

Councillor William Rooney, Convener of the Council’s Corporate Services, said: "I’m pleased to see firm action taken against this illegal activity.

"Thank you to everyone involved. This sends a clear warning to retailers that profiting at the expense of our communities will not be tolerated."

Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, Vice Convener of Corporate Services, added: “This is a fantastic result for our Trading Standards team, who were acting on intelligence from concerned members of the community.

“We will continue to work closely with our partners at Police Scotland to stop illicit products and illegal sales in our towns.

“I would also urge residents to continue reporting their concerns to our Trading Standards team.”

To report an issue to the Trading Standards team, email trading.standards@west-dunbarton.gov.uk.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report your concerns via the SCOTSS online form.

Inspector Colin Cameron from Police Scotland, said: “This operation highlights our commitment to protecting the public, supporting lawful traders and acting against those involved in criminality.

“It demonstrates the effectiveness of partnership working and the importance of intelligence from the public in helping us disrupt organised criminality and protect local communities.

“We will continue to work together to target areas of concern and stop the illegal sale of counterfeit goods.

“If you have information regarding those involved in the supply of illegal cigarettes and tobacco then contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”