Over 11 million non-UK duty-paid cigarettes have been seized in a significant operation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), supported by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). The seizure, valued at an estimated £9.8 million in lost duty and taxes, took place on Monday, November 4, near Newry.
During the operation, officers searched two premises, discovering 11.5 million illegal cigarettes along with fuel laundering equipment, 400 litres of illegal fuel, and several vehicles. Four men, aged between 23 and 33, were arrested in connection with the seizure and have since been released on bail.
Dermot Clarke, Assistant Director of HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service, emphasized the impact of illegal tobacco sales, stating, “The trade in illicit cigarettes and tobacco damages funding for essential public services and undermines legitimate traders, including small, independent shops that serve local communities. We continue to work closely with our partners to relentlessly pursue the determined minority who refuse to play by the rules.”
Superintendent Norman Haslett, District Commander for Newry, Mourne, and Down, praised the joint efforts of the agencies involved: “This is an incredibly significant seizure and shows our commitment to working with our partners to keep communities safe in Northern Ireland. We remain resolute in our efforts to put those suspected of profiting from criminality before the courts.”
Authorities urge anyone with information on the illegal sale of tobacco or alcohol to report it to HMRC online.
