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29/01/2003
Six million cigarettes seized in Co Tyrone
Customs in a joint operation with PSNI scored a major success against cigarette smugglers in Co Tyrone yesterday.
Officers intercepted a shipment of around 6 million cigarettes housed in an abandoned warehouse site near Coalisland.
The consignment of Sovereign Classic cigarettes, which would have cost the taxpayer £1 million in lost revenue, are believed to have originated from the Far East. Four men, who are all from Ballynakilly, Co Tyrone, have been arrested and charged in connection with the seizure. They have been bailed to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on the February 25.
If convicted, the men could face sentences of up to seven years jail and the seizure of all material and equipment used.
The Head of Law Enforcement Investigation for Customs’ Northern Ireland, Peter Hollier, said: “The removal of over £1 million worth of cigarettes from the illegal supply chain shows Customs’ commitment to tackling a trade that puts local shops out of business and takes cash away from hospitals and schools."
In the 2000 budget, the government committed £209 million to tackling tobacco smuggling. The slew of new monies is set to provide almost 1,000 more Customs officers and a national network of the latest x-ray scanners at ports.
(AM)
Officers intercepted a shipment of around 6 million cigarettes housed in an abandoned warehouse site near Coalisland.
The consignment of Sovereign Classic cigarettes, which would have cost the taxpayer £1 million in lost revenue, are believed to have originated from the Far East. Four men, who are all from Ballynakilly, Co Tyrone, have been arrested and charged in connection with the seizure. They have been bailed to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on the February 25.
If convicted, the men could face sentences of up to seven years jail and the seizure of all material and equipment used.
The Head of Law Enforcement Investigation for Customs’ Northern Ireland, Peter Hollier, said: “The removal of over £1 million worth of cigarettes from the illegal supply chain shows Customs’ commitment to tackling a trade that puts local shops out of business and takes cash away from hospitals and schools."
In the 2000 budget, the government committed £209 million to tackling tobacco smuggling. The slew of new monies is set to provide almost 1,000 more Customs officers and a national network of the latest x-ray scanners at ports.
(AM)
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30 January 2019
Almost Five Million Cigarettes Seized By Police
A significant haul of nearly five million cigarettes and almost 700kg of tobacco has been seized as part of a major operation by police and customs officers in Northern Ireland. The illicit material, worth an estimated £1.9m in duty and taxes that would have been lost, was uncovered during searches in the Banbridge, Carryduff and Ballyclare areas.
Almost Five Million Cigarettes Seized By Police
A significant haul of nearly five million cigarettes and almost 700kg of tobacco has been seized as part of a major operation by police and customs officers in Northern Ireland. The illicit material, worth an estimated £1.9m in duty and taxes that would have been lost, was uncovered during searches in the Banbridge, Carryduff and Ballyclare areas.
18 May 2005
Over six million cigarettes seized in Newry
Over six million cigarettes have been seized by customs officers in Co Down. Details of the seizure, which occurred in Newry last Friday, emerged on Wednesday and saw 6,240,000 Richman cigarettes detected in a container load described as flat-pack furniture. The cargo had arrived from Malaysia.
Over six million cigarettes seized in Newry
Over six million cigarettes have been seized by customs officers in Co Down. Details of the seizure, which occurred in Newry last Friday, emerged on Wednesday and saw 6,240,000 Richman cigarettes detected in a container load described as flat-pack furniture. The cargo had arrived from Malaysia.
19 November 2003
Customs seize over six million cigarettes in Co Armagh
Customs officers have uncovered over six million smuggled cigarettes in Co Armagh. The container-load was seized during an operation in Moy on Friday evening after the Dorchester brand cigarettes had been shipped from Malaysia.
Customs seize over six million cigarettes in Co Armagh
Customs officers have uncovered over six million smuggled cigarettes in Co Armagh. The container-load was seized during an operation in Moy on Friday evening after the Dorchester brand cigarettes had been shipped from Malaysia.
20 August 2002
Customs net £1.5m haul of smuggled cigarettes
Customs officers have seized 8.5 million illegal cigarettes with an estimated value of £1.5 million. The consignment of cigarettes was seized after Customs investigators carried out a routine check of a container vessel at Warrenpoint on Saturday night. The Antigua and Barbuda registered cargo vessel ‘Emma’ had departed from Rotterdam.
Customs net £1.5m haul of smuggled cigarettes
Customs officers have seized 8.5 million illegal cigarettes with an estimated value of £1.5 million. The consignment of cigarettes was seized after Customs investigators carried out a routine check of a container vessel at Warrenpoint on Saturday night. The Antigua and Barbuda registered cargo vessel ‘Emma’ had departed from Rotterdam.
25 March 2002
Customs seize 15 million cigarettes at Belfast docks
Customs officers have seized nearly 15 million smuggled cigarettes which were intercepted at Belfast Port. Customs officials said they believed the duty free cigarettes, which were intercepted in a consignment of clay pots from Holland, would have been sold illegally in both Northern Ireland and the Republic.
Customs seize 15 million cigarettes at Belfast docks
Customs officers have seized nearly 15 million smuggled cigarettes which were intercepted at Belfast Port. Customs officials said they believed the duty free cigarettes, which were intercepted in a consignment of clay pots from Holland, would have been sold illegally in both Northern Ireland and the Republic.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
