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Illegal cigarettes seized by customs

More than half a million illegal cigarettes have been seized from a home in Harlow. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) officers visited the house on the edge of the town on Friday July 4 and found the counterfeit cigarettes. The stockpile, thought to be worth £87,350, originated from China and was meant to be sold in Essex.

A man was arrested and charged and has been released on bail pending further enquiries. Maddy Ratnett from HMRC said: "Anyone who may think they are getting a bargain might not realise this illegal trade damages honest businesses in the area, costs billions in lost revenue and lines the pockets of criminals instead of funding public services.So if you are tempted to buy cheap smuggled cigarettes remember that you are funding crime."

If you know of anyone selling cheap or duty free cigarettes and tobacco from their house or work or seen large quantities of cigarettes being unloaded contact the HMRC's new information line, in confidence, on 0800 59 5000.

Source: The Harlow Herald 10th July 2008
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