Illegal cigarettes and tobacco worth approximately £3.5m have been recovered in Dumfries.
Three men, aged 25, 28 and 31, were arrested after officers from Police Scotland and Dumfries & Galloway Trading Standards carried out four warrants in the town centre on 23 July.
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, said Police Scotland. The investigation is now being conducted by HMRC, added the police force.
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”.
She encouraged anyone with information about illegal cigarettes or tobacco in the town to contact Dumfries and Galloway Council Trading Standards, Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The operation was part of Operation CeCe Scotland – a nationwide partnership between Scottish councils, HMRC and Police Scotland to tackle the sale of illegal tobacco products.
Councillor Andy Ferguson, chair of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, commented: “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.”
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