POLICE and Customs have seized thousands of pounds worth of fake cigarettes in Derry.
Around 6,500 illicit smokes and 900g of rolling tobacco were confiscated after the joint operation at a number of outlets in the Galliagh area.
A HMRC statement said: “HM Revenue and Customs supported by the Police Service of Northern Ireland visited several local shops in Derry seizing what are believed to be illicit tobacco products.
“As part of the operation, HMRC officers, supported by PSNI’s District Support Team and local Neighbourhood Teams, conducted searches of eight shops in the Galliagh area of Derry where some 6,500 cigarettes and 900g of hand rolling tobacco were seized.”
A quantity of counterfeit clothing, including trainers and T-shirts was also seized by PSNI.
HMRC’s Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, Steve Tracey said: “The majority of retailers are law abiding traders.
“However, there are those who believe they can make easy money by selling illicit tobacco products under the counter. HMRC has continued to develop new approaches to fight illicit tobacco production and works close with the police, trading standards, local authorities and international law enforcement partners.
Thousands of pounds worth of fake cigarettes have been seized by the PSNI and Customs officers.
Around 6,500 illicit smokes and 900g of rolling tobacco were confiscated after the joint operation at a number of outlets in the Derry city area.
A HMRC statement said: “HM Revenue and Customs supported by the Police Service of Northern Ireland visited several local shops in Derry this week seizing what are believed to be illicit tobacco products.
“As part of the operation, HMRC officers, supported by PSNI’s District Support Team and local Neighbourhood Teams, conducted searches of eight shops in the Galliagh area of Derry where some 6,500 cigarettes and 900g of hand rolling tobacco were seized.”
A quantity of counterfeit clothing, including trainers and T-shirts was also seized by PSNI.
HMRC’s Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, Steve Tracey said: “The majority of retailers are law abiding traders.
“However, there are those who believe they can make easy money by selling illicit tobacco products under the counter.
“HMRC has continued to develop new approaches to fight illicit tobacco production and works close with the police, trading standards, local authorities and international law enforcement partners.
“We encourage anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco to report it online or call the Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887.”
The PSNI’s Sergeant Anderson said: “It is concerning that some of the shops we visited today had illicit cigarettes on their premises.
“Retailers who stock and sell illicit cigarettes to the public should think carefully about the potential implications upon conviction.
“We will be making further enquiries and I would encourage anyone with information about the sale of counterfeit cigarettes and other goods to please get in touch with us.”
Investigations into the seizures are continuing, police added.
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