A MAN was arrested today after around 60,000 cigarettes and more than 30 kilograms of hand rolling tobacco was seized in Derry today Friday, February 16.
The 48-year-old man was interviewed by Customs officials after the car was stopped by the PSNI in the the city area and searched.
The haul of cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco were uncovered inside the car.
HM Revenue and Customs officers also carried out a follow up search at a domestic premises in Newry and seized more tobacco products.
The suspected illicit tobacco products are worth an estimated £33,000 in lost duty and taxes.
Steve Tracey, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said:
“Tobacco fraudsters undercut legitimate retailers depriving the UK of money needed to fund our public services.
“HMRC will continue to target the supply of illicit tobacco, which costs the UK around £2.5 billion a year.
“Anyone with information regarding the smuggling, storage or sale of illegal tobacco can report it to HMRC online or call our Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887.”
Mr Tracey added that investigations were ongoing into the suspected fraud are ongoing.
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