Smoking out counterfeit cigarettes

TRADING Standards officers in the Capital have been issued with two new machines which can detect counterfeit cigarettes packets.

The machines read markings placed on packets by the manufacturers, helping identify fakes being sold in shops.

The devices, which cost 200 each and have not been used in Scotland before, display a red light when the packets are found to be counterfeit.

Trading Standards officers will carry out spot checks with the devices at Edinburgh shops, as well as responding to tip-offs from members of the public who report where illegal products may be for sale. The move forms part of a campaign launched yesterday by Trading Standards and Crimestoppers to tackle counterfeiting in the city and raise awareness of its links with organised crime. Studies have estimated that nearly one out of five cigarettes sold in the UK was brought in illegally.

Kate Johnston, national manager with Scotland Crimestoppers, said the counterfeit trade "can fund serious crimes such as human trafficking and drug crime".