Five Tonnes Of Tobacco Seized At Port

Five tonnes of hand rolling tobacco has today (Wednesday, 16 March 2011) been seized by UK Border Agency officers at Dover's Eastern Docks.

A Czech registered vehicle arrived on a ferry from Calais and was stopped by officers at the inward freight controls. After questioning the 39-year-old Czech driver, officers searched the vehicle and trailer.

The huge haul of tobacco, with Luxembourg tax stamps, was found in 11 shrink wrapped pallets within a load of electrical materials.

The case was passed to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for further investigation.

Paul Booth, UK Border Agency assistant director in Dover said: "This was an excellent detection by our officers. The tobacco had been well hidden and professionally wrapped in an attempt to evade UK Border Agency controls.

"The smuggling of tobacco and cigarettes is often linked to serious organised crime and can provide the funding for much larger criminal operations such as drug smuggling or people trafficking.

"Our officers work tirelessly to keep the border secure and, as in this case, prevent damage to public finances. The tax on cigarettes helps fund vital public services."

The detection by UK Border Agency officers has prevented a potential revenue loss to the Exchequer of £876,000. It has also deprived the smugglers of thousands of pounds they would have made selling the tobacco on the black market in the UK.

The names of anyone who tries to smuggle cigarettes into the UK are added to UK Border Agency's watchlists which alert border officers when smugglers make future journeys.

Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to cigarette and tobacco smuggling should call the HMRC 24 hour hotline on 0800 595 000.