OVER half of all smokers in Scotland have purchased illegal tobacco products, new research conducted by JTI has revealed.
The tobacco firm found 52% of smokers have purchased illegal tobacco products including counterfeit and foreign tobacco products, while one in four said they had been offered illegal tobacco in the past year.
A mystery shopping operation conducted for JTI in Scotland found illegal tobacco on sale in retail outlets, market stalls, pubs and through street sellers.
Steve Wilkins of JTI said: “This research reveals worrying statistics on the scale of illegal tobacco in Scotland, posing a serious threat to legitimate business. JTI renews its calls for other category partners in the distribution chain to join them and take a stand against retailers who sell illegal tobacco.”
