A specially trained tobacco search dog named Rosie has helped uncover illegal cigarettes and tobacco during a series of enforcement visits to Moray businesses.
Trading Standards officers from Moray Council teamed up with Rosie and her handler in a clampdown on the black market trade.
The operation followed growing concerns both locally and across the country about an increase in illicit tobacco being sold under the counter.
Acting on intelligence and public reports, the team visited a number of shops and licensed premises throughout the area.
A quantity of illegal tobacco was seized during the checks, with a formal report now being prepared for HMRC.
The exact value or weight of the seized goods has not yet been confirmed but the haul adds to the growing list of recent recoveries in the region.
Councillor Marc Macrae, who chairs the Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, said illegal tobacco was damaging for everyone involved.
He warned that those caught selling black market products face serious consequences for their business reputation and finances.
He also stressed the continued commitment of the local Trading Standards team to tackling the issue.
The work to disrupt this underground trade is expected to continue with support from partner agencies.
Enforcement teams say it is part of a broader effort to protect both public health and honest businesses.
The use of specialist sniffer dogs like Rosie has proven effective in rooting out hidden stashes that would otherwise go undetected.
She is trained to detect tobacco stored in unusual hiding spots such as false walls, ceilings, or even furniture.
Officers say businesses attempting to bypass legal routes of sale are not only breaking the law but putting consumers at risk.
Illicit tobacco is often unregulated, making it a potential health hazard on top of the already known dangers of smoking.
Rosie’s role is part of a wider toolkit being used in the fight against counterfeit and smuggled products.
Public support is also playing a key part, with more people coming forward to report suspicious activity in their communities.
Trading Standards are urging anyone with concerns to come forward and share information anonymously if needed.
Moray Council has confirmed that investigations are ongoing and further enforcement actions may be carried out in the near future.
The message to anyone selling or thinking of selling illegal tobacco is clear – the net is tightening.
