GLASGOW is one of the easiest places in the UK to buy illegal tobacco, it was claimed today.

A Scotland-wide test purchase investigation, where trained undercover buyers purchase illegal tobacco, found more in Glasgow than anywhere else in the UK.

The exercise, run by former Scotland Yard Detective Chief Inspector Will O'Reilly, found illegal products on offer at the Barras, in pubs and an ethnic food shop.

Mr O'Reilly said: "Right across Scotland, we purchased illicit tobacco in great volumes, and Glasgow was one of the areas in which we found it easy to access. Through our findings, it would generally appear there is a correlation between areas of deprivation and the illicit tobacco trade. We know that organised crime is behind the trade in illicit tobacco.

"Criminals are turning from harder crimes to the illicit trade in tobacco products due to higher profit margins and fewer risks involved."

At the Barras, test purchasers bought illicit cigarettes from four sellers, including one who had his wares in full display.

In total, from the Barras market the test purchasers bought seven cartons of cigarettes and one pouch of a known loose tobacco being sold at £6.50.

They also found illegal copies of well-known cigarette brands in several pubs, a social club and a mobile phone shop.

The test purchasers were offered illicit cigarettes from a man who met them at a Glasgow railway station to carry out the hand-over. In an ethnic food shop a shopkeeper sold the test purchasers four different brands of cigarettes, including two "ones" - single cigarettes.

The cigarettes were hidden in various places, including a bowl covered with a towel in the meat section and a drawer in the fridge. The investigation led to the purchase of eight cartons and 38 packs of illicit cigarettes and three pouches of loose tobacco.

The cheapest pack of illicit cigarettes cost only £3, as opposed to £8 for legal versions, while the cheapest carton cost £40. Mr O'Reilly was employed to carry out the study by Philip Morris International Inc, owner of seven of the world's top 15 international brands, including Marlboro.The company is against plans by the Scottish Government to introduce plain packaging for tobacco products.

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of anti-smoking charity ASH Scotland, said: "We know that removing brands and logos makes tobacco less attractive to young people.

"That's why the tobacco companies are spending millions of pounds opposing standardised packaging. The tobacco industry has a long history of opposing regulation by paying for reports that suit its agenda."

A Glasgow Trading Standards spokesman said: "We are aware of the sale of counterfeit tobacco and our primary concern is the safety of consumers. Clearly, all tobacco products carry a substantial health risk; but there is some evidence that counterfeit products can contain additional toxins."