17/12/2004

Five men arrested following cigarette seizure

Five men have been arrested after more than 500,000 stolen or counterfeit cigarettes were seized by police in the Markets area of Belfast.

The cigarettes were found when officers searched a number of cars in McAuley Street and Friendly Way on Thursday. A quantity of counterfeit DVDs were also seized.

Welcoming the news, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tom Ekin said: “The police are to be congratulated on the success of the operation, in taking these goods off the street and apprehending the perpetrators.

“The Council works closely with the Police Service in fighting the scourge of illegal trading, and our joint operations against street traders in particular have seized large quantities of dangerous and counterfeit goods.

“There is no doubt that these operations, which will continue in the run up to Christmas, are helping to make our streets safer for all those who wish to enjoy Belfast’s shopping experience.”

(MB/SP)

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