Glasgow ‘worst in UK for sale of illegal cigarettes

A Scotland-wide test purchase investigation, where trained undercover buyers purchase illegal tobacco, found more in Glasgow than anywhere else in the UK. The exercise, run by former Scotland Yard Detective Chief Inspector Will O’Reilly, found illegal products on offer at the Barras, in pubs and an ethnic food shop. Mr O’Reilly said: “Right across Scotland, we purchased illicit tobacco in great volumes, and Glasgow was one of the areas in which we found it easy to access. Through our findings, it would generally appear there is a correlation between areas of deprivation and the illicit tobacco trade. We know that organised crime is behind the trade in illicit tobacco. “Criminals are turning from harder crimes to the illicit trade in tobacco products due to higher profit margins and fewer risks involved.” At the Barras, test purchasers bought illicit cigarettes from four sellers, including one who had his wares in full display. In total, from the Barras market the test purchasers bought seven cartons of cigarettes and one pouch of a known loose tobacco being sold at £6.50. They also found illegal copies of well-known cigarette brands in several pubs, a social club and a mobile phone shop.

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/glasgow-worst-in-uk-for-sale-of-illegal-cigarettes-143620n.22795258