An investigation has been launched after authorities seized 2.7 million illicit cigarettes during an operation in Newry, Northern Ireland.
On 24 April, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), with support from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), searced a premises in the Camlough area and discovered the cigarettes estimated to be worth £1.6m in unpaid duty and taxes.
No arrests have been made, but enquiries are ongoing, reported PSNI.
“This seizure demonstrates how we are disrupting the trade in illicit cigarettes – a crime that damages funding for essential public services and undermines legitimate businesses that serve local communities,” said Dermot Clarke, operational lead of Fraud Investigation Service at HMRC.
“We remain committed to working closely with our partners to relentlessly pursue the determined minority who refuse to play by the rules.”
The seizure sends a powerful message to those engaged in this type of crime, said Superintendent Norman Haslett, PSNI commander for Newry, Mourne and Down.
“It will not be tolerated, and also underpins the dedication of all law enforcement in tackling sale and supply of illicit tobacco products locally,” Haslett added.
No comments yet