A man caught smuggling illicit tobacco hidden inside glass panels has been sentenced to two years in prison.

Slawomir Kraszewski was caught while on bail for a previous offence of smuggling illicit tobacco.

The first seizure was made in Ipswich in August 2012 after intelligence led HMRC investigators to find boxes of what appeared to be glass panels in Kraszewski’s house.

Their suspicions were raised because the residential premises had no connection to a glass business. When officers examined the boxes they found large polystyrene lined compartments inside, stuffed full of smuggled tobacco. Kraszewski was arrested and later charged with smuggling offences.

In December similar parcels were intercepted which were destined for Watson Glaser in Waltham Cross. When HMRC officers called at the address they caught Kraszewski red-handed carrying boxes full of smuggled tobacco into a van.  He was arrested again and sentenced to two years in prison earlier this week.

The total duty evaded was estimated as £380,000.  

If you would like to report information on illicit tobacco contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000.