Officers seize cigarettes in market raid

THOUSANDS of illicit cigarettes have been seized by customs officials from peddlers at Bathgate Market.
The West Lothian market was targeted during a four-day blitz by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) officials last week, which found almost 92,000 cigarettes being sold at premises throughout the central belt.
Five kilograms of rolling tobacco and 2,000 cigarettes were seized in a BMW car at Bathgate Market as part of operation Dog Wood Prize.
The revenue loss to crooks from the four-day operation is estimated to be £21,554.
HMRC officers were supported by British Transport Police and Lothian & Borders and Strathclyde forces during the raids.
A police spokeswoman said: "The proceeds from this kind of sale are more than likely going to fund serious and organised crime."