DANGEROUS illegal tobacco has been seized during raids in Glasgow.

Officials from HMRC and Trading Standards took part in a two-day operation to tackle the illegal supply of illicit tobacco in the city.

Twelve premises were targeted and 16,500 cigarettes, as well as 3.5kg of hand rolling tobacco were discovered.

Officers visited shops, pubs and markets and found 10,000 illegal cigarettes under a floor board at one premises.

A campaign aimed at tackling the illicit tobacco trade was launched by crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers.

Authorities believe educating smokers is key to cracking down on illicit tobacco.

Crimestoppers bosses said many people may not be fully aware of the links between illegal cigarettes and serious and organised crime gangs.

Roger Critchell, Director of Operations for Crimestoppers, said: "While some will see illegal tobacco as a victimless crime, I can strongly reject this, with this campaign highlighting the impact it has on our communities.

"The links this trade has to serious organised crime and gangs are very real, and they are operating in your area, which has a detrimental effect on your community and the lives of their victims.

"This is why we are reaching out to these three communities to tell us who is committing this crime, safe in the knowledge you will remain completely anonymous.

"I would urge you to look beyond just the issue of illegal tobacco, and to the major impact it has on funding other crimes.

"Tell us anonymously who’s selling it, and help stop the crimes you don’t see."

Last year, the UK saw an almost 50% rise in the consumption of counterfeit and contraband cigarettes.

It is estimated that there are four billion illicit cigarettes in circulation in the UK, as well as 4400 tons of illicit rolling tobacco.