Scotland trading standards crack down on illegal vape sales to minors and counterfeit cigarettes

Trading Standards officers in Scotland carried out undercover test purchases that revealed more than one in five vape shops sold e‑cigarettes to an under‑18 volunteer, and one in ten sold regular cigarettes. 677 vape and 289 tobacco purchases were made across the country, resulting in 148 vape sales and 38 cigarette sales to minors and 207 on‑the‑spot fixed‑penalty fines.

In West Dunbartonshire, a joint operation by the council's Trading Standards team, Police Scotland and the Home Office targeted six shops in Clydebank, Dumbarton and Alexandria. Officers seized 29,540 counterfeit cigarettes, 9.9 kg of hand‑rolling tobacco and a five‑figure cash sum. The raids, supported by detection dogs, underscored a coordinated effort to curb illegal tobacco and protect local communities.

Officials emphasized the public‑health priority of protecting young people, with Chris Bell of the Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland stating, "The health of young people is a key priority…" and Police Scotland Inspector Colin Cameron noting the operation's success in disrupting organised criminal activity.