Fake tobacco on sale yards from police station

Counterfeit tobacco is being sold in shops on our high streets, and just yards from a police station.

Customers who enter the newsagent in Edinburgh must give a code word in order to purchase the illicit item. On the same road, a street seller is also selling poor quality tobacco to hundreds of customers.

Both sellers are turning huge profits on the goods, and both only a short walk away from St Leonards police station.

The dodgy traders are just two among several thought to be operating on the streets of Edinburgh, all supplied by city crime gangs.

50g packs of Amber Leaf tobacco retail at such outlets for £8, less than half the cost of the £17 genuine article. Experts confirm the products are fake, and likely originate from China, India or Russia.

Such counterfeit tobacco can contain dangerous chemicals or other unwanted substances, including rat droppings.

A police spokeswoman said "Police Scotland continues to support Trading Standards and HMRC in tackling the sale of counterfeit cigarettes."

It is estimated smuggled cigarettes have cost the Treasury £34 billion over the past decade.

If you have been accused of fraud, contact our specialist crime solicitors today. You can speak to us on 01159 419 141, or send an email to mail@thejohnsonpartnership.co.uk and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

The Johnson Partnership

Nottingham Fraud Solicitors