A man involved in an attempt to smuggle over one million branded cigarettes into the UK through Dover, hidden in boxes of pillows, has been sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court. The duty evaded was approximately £189,000.
David Andrew Pollitt (26) was found guilty and sentenced to 12 months imprisonment suspended for two years at Maidstone Crown Court. He was also ordered to undertake 280 hours of community service, wear an electronic tag during a four month curfew and pay costs of £1000.
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) began an investigation after UK Border Agency (UKBA) officers stopped a man driving a lorry on 25 September 2009, following his arrival at Dover on a ferry from Calais. The lorry was searched and 1.15m cigarettes were found amongst the boxes of pillows. Forensic analysis proved that Pollitt was involved in packing the haul, as his fingerprints were found on the boxes containing the cigarettes as well as on the cartons of cigarettes themselves. Pollitt was arrested and charged with the smuggling attempt on 24 February 2010. The driver of the lorry was found not guilty.
Martin Brown, Assistant Director of Criminal Investigation for HMRC said: "This man was deliberately involved with the attempt to smuggle these cigarettes into the UK to evade the duty payable, without consideration for the devastating effect this type of crime has on legitimate tobacco retailers. The duty evaded deprives the UK economy of much needed funds for public services. I strongly urge anyone with information about this type of crime to contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000 or email customs.hotline@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk."
