Illegal tobacco worth £7,000 seized in Elgin and Buckie
Counterfeit tobacco products with an estimated value of £7,000 have been recovered in Elgin and Buckie following joint enforcement activity led by Moray Council’s Trading Standards team, in partnership with Police Scotland.
Officers carried out raids on Thursday 30 April and Friday 1 May 2026, supported by a tobacco detection dog.
A total of 94 pouches of hand rolling tobacco and 210 packs of cigarettes were seized.
While all tobacco poses serious health risks, illicit tobacco is of particular concern. These products are often unregulated, meaning their contents and quality are unknown and they may not meet UK safety standards.
They’re often sold more cheaply because no duty has been paid, which can make them easier for young people to access. Some may also lack basic safety features, increasing the risk of accidental fires.
The sale of illegal tobacco also has wider consequences – and is frequently linked to organised crime and there is also evidence to suggest the counterfeit tobacco trade funds terrorism.
Beverly Smith, Head of Growth, Planning and Climate at Moray Council, said: “This type of enforcement work is vital in protecting both public health and local businesses. Illegal tobacco is unregulated, and its sale contributes to wider criminal activity. We will continue to work with our partners to tackle this issue and hold those responsible to account.”
Chief Inspector Michael McKenzie, Local Area Commander for Police Scotland, said: "We continue to support Moray Council's Trading Standards team during such operations to reduce the circulation of illegal tobacco in our communities.
“The sale and supply of illegal tobacco can mask other forms of wider criminality, and it is important to act where offences are identified.
"The public's assistance remains vital, and I would encourage anyone with information about the sale of illegal tobacco to report them to Trading Standards or Police Scotland."