A police sniffer dog helped authorities seize illegal nicotine vape products in North Ayrshire.

In a multi-agency partnership, police, North Ayrshire Trading Standards and a consumer protection dog unit teamed up on April 25 to tackle illegal nicotine vapour product retailers.

Boo, a Labrador/German Wirehaired Pointer, was the hero of the day, helping to sniff out nicotine produce.

Five vape stockists across North Ayrshire were visited. Two Irvine stores and a Saltcoats premises were found to be selling illicit nicotine products. 

Some of these items were well concealed - but were found in seconds by Boo and his professional dog handler.

A police spokesperson said: "Counterfeit vapes usually contain dangerously high levels of nicotine, and often do not meet UK standards - failing in child resistant packaging, leakage protection and other major health and safety flaws.

"Some of the disposable vape products seized contained a nicotine equivalent of over 800 cigarettes – over 16x the UK legal limit.

"If you have information on the illegal sale of tobacco or vape products you can report this to Police Scotland on 101, to your local authority Trading Standards department, or to Crimestoppers Scotland anonymously on 0800 555111."