Now 2 days ago an Irish Guy attempts 6 Million Fags.
- 29 August 2008 15:255449UK Border Agency/HMRC NEWS
******
Another Huge Cigarette Seizure at Dover
Officers from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) are investigating a second large seizure of cigarettes in less than a week after officers from UK Borders Agency (UKBA) seized approximately six million cigarettes. The attempted revenue evasion is approximately ｣900,000.
UKBA officers intercepted a lorry at Dover's Eastern Docks on the 27 August 2008 and during a search of the vehicle they discovered the cigarettes hidden within the load of frozen fruit.
The driver of the lorry, Ronan HUGHES, 27, from County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, was arrested and interviewed by HMRC investigation officers and was subsequently charged with duty evasion. He appeared at Dover Magistrates Court yesterday (Thursday 28 August 2008), where he entered a plea of not guilty and was granted unconditional bail. He will reappear there on 23 October 2008. Investigations are ongoing.
Bob Gaiger, HMRC Regional spokesman in the South East said:
"Smuggling and selling cigarettes and other excise goods is not a harmless tax fiddle. It cheats the Government of revenue which can be used to fund public services such as schools and hospitals. HMRC and UKBA will not hesitate to take action against those involved in cigarette and tobacco smuggling. Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to cigarette and tobacco smuggling should call the HMRC 24-hour hotline on 0800 59 5000."email: dover7@msn.com - 29 August 2008 15:315450This is news hot off the wire...
...Yes you are reading it right this is a new seizure...only in Dover Magistrates Court yesterday.
and there was I thinking smoking was in decline, but clearly not in some quareters when we have had a whole spate of HUGE seizures in the past few days.
I think this new UK Border Agency which amalgamates a number of services into a pinpointed force is proving effective. It was an inovative idea from the current government and in fact I was down at Dover Docks to see the government Minister come to announce its inauguration...a pleasant chap called Liam Byrne.email: dover7@msn.com - 4 September 2008 22:215662Six million fags. That really is a hell of a habit that guy has got. I thought my pre-quitting five a day was doing me enough damage.
- 5 September 2008 10:335680Ah Jeez Andrew the world hasnt replaced the oul Woodbine..twas the coffin nail extraordinaire. People now have to make up for the loss of the triple strength nicotine fag of old, by smuggling in loads and loads of the little white blighters to make up the kick factor...
Im not being serious as you all might tell...you must never smuggle in cigarettes as apart from the health factor it harms legit local busineses, it seems to be on the rise but as you can see the UK Border Agency are on the case.email: dover7@msn.com - 5 September 2008 10:455682There was a prog on TV last night(Customs UK?) and they raided some old ladys house in Wales who was flogging fags from her front room.By the 20 or the 200 carton.She claimed they were her sons who had just returned from holiday in Spain.Needless to say it wasn't your 600 or so but loads of the gear.She had an old ashtray full of £1 coins with the notes paperweighted underneath.Everything was confiscated.But whilst the Customs were doing the search a punter came to the front door asking for 20 Lambert and Butler..he made a hasty retreat when the door was answered by a customs officer and not Jones the tabacconist!!!!!
This problem could be eradicated overnight if the EU all agreed to place the same tax duty on the fags.Fags could then be purchased duty paid anywhere within the EU legally.
Smugglers are now flying to the Middle East to pick up their DF's..rolling tabacco £2 a pouch.Carton of fags £6.Come to think of it I did notice a lot of scousers on my flight to Dubai recently..
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter) - 5 September 2008 15:215685Bought back some cigarettes for a friend last weekend from france, can really think of better way to spend £170 odd pounds money up in smoke.
- 5 September 2008 22:045694not advisable to publish that on an open forum.
tobacco products can only be brought back from an EU state for one's own use.