MORE than 32,000 illegal cigarettes and vapes have been seized from shops across South Ayrshire over the past five years, newly released figures reveal.
Statistics obtained under Freedom of Information laws show council officers carried out 23 enforcement operations between 2021 and 2026, uncovering counterfeit, non-duty-paid and illegal tobacco products as well as non-compliant and banned vapes.
The request aimed to find out which shops or exact locations these seizures took place in, but that information was not provided in the response.
In total, around 1,556 illicit cigarette packets, 271 packets of hand-rolling tobacco and almost 2,500 non-compliant vapes were seized from shops across the area.
The data only disclosed the number of packets seized, but it is estimated that more than 31,120 cigarettes were removed from businesses across the five-year period.
Based on a typical retail price of around £14 per pack, the haul would have had a potential street value of more than £21,700.
Ayr featured prominently in the figures, with 17 of the recorded operations taking place in the town between 2021 and 2026.
Other raids were carried out in Prestwick, Troon and Girvan.
Officers from Police Scotland's Carrick local policing team and South Ayrshire's trading standards department attended a commercial unit in Girvan in May 2024 after complaints were received of illicit tobacco products being sold within.
It wasn't disclosed at the time of the search what quantity had been seized, but the FOI data reveals that 83 packets of illicit cigarettes and 16 hand-rolling tobacco pouches were removed from the premises.
A growing number of vape seizures were also recorded, with one repeated seller reported to the procurator fiscal, but Trading Standards said no action was taken.
These products are dangerous and may contain high nicotine levels, banned ingredients, false 'nicotine-free' claims, and fire risks.
Meanwhile, three vape sellers were referred to the local licensing board for review of their second-hand dealers licence.
This resulted in two premises having their licence refused, and the third having it reduced to one year.
Officers confiscated 915 vapes in 2021, 86 worth £795 in 2022, 596 in 2023 and 682 in 2024 following action linked to the single-use vape ban and other compliance issues.
In April 2024, a total of 1,353 units were seized and destroyed by South Ayrshire Council's trading standards team from businesses in the region.
A number of test purchasing exercises were also carried out in the region, with ten premises passing the test.
A police spokesperson said: "Whilst vapes themselves carry their own health implications, non UK compliant products come with the potential further risks - high levels of nicotine, falsely advertised 'nicotine free' products, banned ingredients, metals and fire risks.
"If you have information on the illegal sale of tobacco or vape products you can report this to Police Scotland on 101."
A South Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: "Our Trading Standards team, working alongside officers from Police Scotland and Immigration, took part in Operation Machinize, the ongoing NCA-coordinated initiative targeting money laundering and the criminal use of cash-intensive high street businesses.
"Enforcement activity continues to have an impact by removing illegal products from sale and disrupting supply chains.
"Trading Standards officers are increasingly encountering sophisticated methods used to conceal illicit goods and frustrate enforcement activity.
"The significant amount of product seized demonstrates our commitment to tackling this issue and sends a clear message that unlawful trading will not be tolerated in South Ayrshire.
"Selling illicit tobacco or non-compliant vaping products is illegal and can result in the seizure of goods, large fiscal fines, prosecution and referral to relevant licensing bodies.
"We encourage all retailers to ensure products comply with legal requirements and are sourced from reputable suppliers.
"Those who choose to break the law should expect robust action from Trading Standards and our enforcement partners."
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