DON'T FALL FOR CRIME GANG XMAS PUPS

Law enforcers say cash could be laundered for drug traffickers

- PAUL CARGILL

FAMILIES are being urged not buy puppies online as Christmas gifts amid fears money exchanged may be used by criminal gangs.

The warning comes as illegally-bred puppies sold through a black-market trade on social media or small advert sites were identified by prosecutors as a source of revenue for organised crime gangs.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) is concerned illegal breeders could launder the cash to support drug traffickers and other criminality.

A Scottish multi-agency threat assessment last estimated the market year for illegally-traded puppies at £13million.