The discovery was made by East Dunbartonshire Council’s Trading Standards team at two retail premises in Kirkintilloch and Bishopbriggs.
More than 6000 illicit cigarettes and one kilogram of tobacco were confiscated as part of ongoing enforcement.
This is said to involve the council, specialist detection dogs, and partners such as Police Scotland and HMRC.
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Trading Standards officers are experienced in uncovering contraband despite often elaborate attempts to avoid detection.
Illicit tobacco products pose a ‘significant risk’ to public health, are unregulated and often part of wider criminality, including organised crime.
They are also said to undermine the legitimate operations of local businesses, which Trading Standards ‘strive to protect’.
Anyone caught selling these products faces fixed penalty notices, being reported to the Procurator Fiscal and/or financial sanctions.
Concerns can be reported to Police Scotland via 101 or anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
