£3.5m worth of illegal tobacco recovered in Dumfries
Four warrants were executed on Wednesday.
Three men have been arrested in connection with the recovery of illegal cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco from Dumfries, with an estimated value of £3.5 million.
Police have confirmed that the recovery is believed to represent a potential loss of over £350,000 in duty and tax as they seized around 500,000 cigarettes, 103kg of hand-rolling tobacco and roughly £7,000 in cash.
Four warrants were executed in the town centre by the police on Wednesday, 23 July 2025.
Officers from Dumfries and Galloway Trading Standards were also there.
Enquiries are ongoing as the three men, aged 25, 28, and 31, have been arrested in connection.
The investigation we’re being told is 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.”