A SPECIALLY trained dog has helped police officers seize £24,500 of illegal nicotine products from sellers in North Ayrshire.

'Boo' was present alongside local cops and trading standards officers as they visited a number of stores and public houses selling nicotine products across the county on Monday, August 19.

The Labrador/German Wirehaired Pointer is specifically trained to sniff out tobacco and was hailed as "outstanding" in assisting the multi-agency partnership to locate well-concealed illegal produce.

Across the premises visited, almost 17,000 illicit cigarettes, 160 illegal tobacco pouches and 1,000 counterfeit vape products were seized - with an estimated value of £24,500.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "In continued, intelligence led, multi-agency partnership work, Police Scotland Ayrshire, North Ayrshire Council and a Consumer Protection Dog and handler attended several vape, newsagent and public house premises across North Ayrshire today.

"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 Scotland department, or to Crimestoppers Scotland anonymously on 0800 555111."