10 million cigs in Customs swoop
A HAUL of more than 10 million counterfeit cigarettes destined for sale on the black market has been uncovered during a raid in Sheffield.
The stash – a mixture of illegally imported 'duty free' cigarettes and counterfeit versions of popular brands – is worth more than 2.5 million in lost excise duty and VAT.
The cigarettes were discovered hidden inside a series of locked containers by customs officers when they raided commercial premises in Brightside and Attercliffe.
Local fire officers helped with the operation by using specialist cutting equipment to gain access to the containers and uncover the full haul.
Officers believe the cigarettes, which included fake versions of Embassy and Regal brands, were destined for sale on the black market in Sheffield, Rotherham and Barnsley.
Mike Connolly, HM Revenue and Custom's head of special investigations in Yorkshire, said: "This is a significant find.
"We are delighted that we have managed to intercept them before they were sold on to unsuspecting members of the public – especially as much of this haul is suspected to be counterfeit product.
"South Yorkshire is fast becoming one of the worst areas in the UK for smuggled cigarettes and tobacco, and this size of seizure only serves to highlight the problem in real terms."
Mr Connolly added: "People assume that cigarette smuggling is a low level crime and often the public turn a blind eye to it. But what they don't realise is that this activity is big business for criminals and their gangs who are making a hefty profit at the expense of the honest taxpayer.
"I want to personally discourage the public from buying cheap or duty free cigarettes or tobacco. They may feel that they are getting a good deal by saving a couple of pounds on their packet, however they are funding criminal activity and will be seriously damaging their health."
Anyone who suspects duty free or counterfeit cigarettes are being sold in their area should contact HMRC anonymously by e-mail to customs.confidential@hmce.gsi.gov.uk or by calling 0800 595000.
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