Smuggled cigarettes seized

2:38pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

AROUND 45,000 smuggled cigaretters were seized at a Wirral shop last week.

Working with Merseyside Police, UK Border Agency officers from the inland team searched the shop premises, where they seized approximately 45,000 cigarettes and a vehicle.

The loss to the Revenue is estimated to be about £6,600. The male driver, from Rochdale, was arrested but later released.

Linda Paul, Assistant Director North, UKBA Border Force, said: "UK Border Agency officers routinely check for illicit goods such as non-duty paid tobacco, alcohol, and fuel being traded from unlicensed premises.

"Working with the police, trading standards and other law enforcement agencies to combine resources, share intelligence and demonstrate how joint working can help protect the public and honest shopkeepers from illegal competition, by removing these illicit goods from the supply chain.

"This exercise is an example of the action we take across the region involving deliberate and organized attempts to defraud both the Revenue and the public.

"The UKBA plays a vital role in the fight to prevent cigarettes, alcohol and drugs being smuggled into the UK and in protecting our communities from the violence and corruption that always accompany this illegal trade.

"Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to alcohol, drugs or tobacco smuggling should call our 24 hour hotline 0800 59 5000."

The driver cannot be identified for legal reasons as he has not been charged; nor can the premises be identified.