Trading Standards take action on illegal cigarettes

27th February 2025

Photograph of Trading Standards take action on illegal cigarettes

After receiving numerous complaints from businesses and the public, Highland Council Trading Standards has seized a significant quantity of illicit tobacco products from a retailer in the Highlands. This operation underlines the Council's commitment to protecting consumers and supporting legitimate businesses.

During a targeted inspection of several businesses, Trading Standards officers uncovered a substantial store of illicit tobacco products, including counterfeit cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco. Some of the seized goods are pictured alongside Boo, the tobacco sniffer dog who assisted officers to find the concealed material.

Trading Standards Manager, David MacKenzie commented, "This seizure highlights the persistent efforts of our Trading Standards team to combat the illegal tobacco trade. These products not only evade taxes but also pose serious health risks to Highland residents. We will continue to take robust action against those involved in such criminal activities."

It is a criminal offence under the Trade Marks Act to sell or have in your possession illicit goods which can result in a fine of up to £5000.

Mr MacKenzie continued: "The sale of illicit tobacco undermines public health and safety, as these products often fail to meet regulatory standards. Additionally, the illegal trade deprives the government of essential tax revenue, impacting public services and the wider community and reputable local businesses are adversely affected by the unfair competition".

Trading Standards works with HMRC under Operation CeCe to report illicit tobacco which fails to have the presence of unique identifiers as detailed in the Tobacco Products (Traceability and Security Features) Regulations 2019. Where a tobacco product is found not to comply, this allows Trading Standards to refer this evidence to HMRC to consider applying a civil penalty called a sanction. For a first offence the maximum sanction is £10,000. See here for more information: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/stronger-powers-to-combat-illicit-tobacco-come-into-force (external link)

Highland Council Trading Standards urges residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to the sale of illicit cigarettes and tobacco. Information can be provided anonymously through the Trading Standards webpage - Report Counterfeit Goods https://self.highland.gov.uk/service/Report_counterfeit_goods (external link)

Consumers can also report concerns and receive advice from Trading Standards partner agency Advice Direct Scotland on telephone 0808 164 6000 or at www.consumeradvice.scot (external link)

Highland businesses can contact Trading Standards with specific queries on trading.standards@highland.gov.uk

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Today : Educational Institutions

Fewer Children, More Difficult Decisions: The Future of Highland's Schools

For many years Highland Council has faced difficult decisions over small rural schools.   Some have closed, others have been mothballed, and communities have often argued that a village school is about much more than the number of children sitting in its classrooms.  

Today : Local Authority

Glasgow’s 23,000 Council Workers Face a Major Pay Shake-Up

Glasgow City Council has taken a dramatic step in its long-running equal-pay dispute, giving notice that it intends to end existing pay arrangements for its non-teaching workforce unless an agreement can be reached with the trade unions.   Around 23,000 employees are affected.  

Today : Employment Services

What Are the Options for Scottish Pupils Who Do Not Want the Traditional Academic Route?

Parents of teenagers in England are being told that they will need to understand a new range of vocational qualifications as their children approach the age of 14.   The Career Development Institute has welcomed the introduction of new Vocational GCSEs, which are due to start being introduced in England from 2029.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

The £27 Million Energy Bill Facing Highland Council – And NHS Highland's Hidden Cost

Rising energy prices are a problem for households and businesses, but there is another very large energy bill that receives much less attention.   Highland Council operates one of the largest public-sector property estates in Scotland, while NHS Highland runs hospitals, health centres, clinics and other facilities across an enormous geographical area.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

Public invited to Justice Service open days in Fort William and Wick

The Highland Council’s Justice Social Work teams in Lochaber and Caithness will be hosting open days in Fort William on Tuesday 6 October and Wick on Friday 9 October 2026.   The open days will provide members of the public with an opportunity to gain an insight into the Justice Service and find out more about the excellent work going on locally.  

23/9/2026 : Local Authority

Launch of New Transport Service for Renal Patients in Highland

NHS Highland and The Highland Council are pleased to announce the launch of a new bespoke year-round transport service for renal haemodialysis patients across Highland.   Funded through a grant from NHS Highland, the service marks the first phase of a new approach to patient transport delivery, designed to support the long-term development of a more sustainable, flexible and community-focused transport model for Highland.  

23/9/2026 : Local Authority

Economy and Infrastructure Committee to consider next steps on proposed Short Term Let Control Areas

Members of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee will meet next Monday (28 September 2026) to consider whether to progress proposals for new Short Term Let Control Areas across parts of Highland.   At the special meeting, councillors will be asked to consider the findings of a public consultation on proposed control areas covering Inverness City and a wider Highland Rural area, before deciding whether the proposals should be submitted to Scottish Ministers for approval.  

22/9/2026 : Local Authority

Scotland's Local Government Reform: More Local Power or Mainly a Search for Savings?

The Scottish Government is proposing a major reshaping of local government, with fewer regional authorities and many more community-level bodies making decisions closer to where people live.   The language is about local democracy, stronger communities and bringing decisions closer to people.  

22/9/2026 : Local Authority

Local Government Set For Huge Changes

Initial proposals designed to deliver fundamental reform of local governance have been set out to help shape the debate on improving public services.   The possible changes, if implemented, could help achieve a better balance of decision-making powers across the public sector to ensure investment is focused on delivering improved services.  

21/9/2026 : Local Authority

Council Tax Reform: Just How Many Scots Took Part in the Debate?

Council tax is one of those bills that most households know only too well.   It arrives every month or in a series of instalments, and it helps pay for services ranging from rubbish collection and roads to schools, social care and other council services.