Detective Dixie Sniffs Out Tobacco

A dog detective who can sniff out tobacco has helped trading standards officers seize 16,500 cigarettes.

Dixie the springer spaniel also detected 3.5kg of hand-rolling tobacco during the two-day operation to tackle the illegal supply of illicit tobacco which targeted 12 premises in Glasgow.

The dog found tobacco hidden under flooring and behind a toilet cistern during the operation, which involved officers from Glasgow City Council Trading Standards and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

Officers visited retail premises, licensed premises and markets, and a number of counterfeit goods including clothing, accessories and electrical items were also found.

Ten thousand illegal cigarettes were discovered under a floorboard in one of the premises during last weekend's operation.

Neil Coltart, the council's trading standards manager, said: "The recent initiative was a great success - mainly due to Dixie the tobacco detection dog.

"The dog was able to detect tobacco hidden under flooring, behind a toilet cistern and in other locations which would not have been apparent during routine inspection.

"Trading standards officers are dedicated to tackling the illicit supply of tobacco and protecting the public from dangerous and harmful products.''

It was the first time officers in Glasgow had the use of Dixie, a trained tobacco detection dog who is a shared resource based in Stirling.

Her work is supported by the Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland (SCOTSS).

Since December, more than 180,000 non-duty paid cigarettes and 10kg of hand-rolling tobacco have been seized by Glasgow Trading Standards officers through joint working with HMRC.

Anne-Marie Gordon, assistant director of criminal investigation at HMRC, said:

"HMRC officers will continue to work with enforcement colleagues to stop and disrupt the distribution and supply of illicit tobacco. This is a trade that harms communities across Scotland and robs public services of £2 billion a year.

"Anyone who suspects cigarettes or tobacco is being illegally produced, smuggled or sold can help us by calling the Customs hotline on 0800 59 5000. If you see something, say something.''