Menu
28/02/2012
Smuggled Cigarettes Not Child's Play
A gang who described over 20 million smuggled cigarettes as baby’s toys on shipping documents have been jailed after a covert surveillance operation caught them red-handed.
The seven men were arrested after some of them were seen unloading over 10 million illicit cigarettes at a warehouse in Upminster after they had been smuggled into the UK from Dubai through the port of Felixstowe. The total duty evaded is estimated as £3.3 million.
Paul Barton, Assistant Director of Criminal Investigation for HMRC, said: "If these criminals had not been stopped they would have flooded local markets with not only the 20 million illicit cigarettes we seized but would have gone on to smuggle in many more. HMRC is determined to eradicate this form of criminality and raise awareness of the devastating effect on our communities, including legitimate retailers having to compete with black market goods. Tobacco smuggling costs the country around £2 billion in lost revenue each year – money that could be funding vital public services."
He added: "We are urging the public to be vigilant. Cheap tobacco products can often seem like an attractive offer to people lured into purchasing them at what seem like bargain prices. However, the truth is these sales are unlicensed and unregulated. And those involved are not concerned if they are selling to children and underage young people."
HMRC and the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) monitored two large freight containers shipped from Dubai, via Hong Kong which arrived at the Port of Felixstowe. The documents described the containers’ contents as 1,020 cartons of baby toys; but instead each container was crammed full with over 10 million cigarettes.
(GK)
The seven men were arrested after some of them were seen unloading over 10 million illicit cigarettes at a warehouse in Upminster after they had been smuggled into the UK from Dubai through the port of Felixstowe. The total duty evaded is estimated as £3.3 million.
Paul Barton, Assistant Director of Criminal Investigation for HMRC, said: "If these criminals had not been stopped they would have flooded local markets with not only the 20 million illicit cigarettes we seized but would have gone on to smuggle in many more. HMRC is determined to eradicate this form of criminality and raise awareness of the devastating effect on our communities, including legitimate retailers having to compete with black market goods. Tobacco smuggling costs the country around £2 billion in lost revenue each year – money that could be funding vital public services."
He added: "We are urging the public to be vigilant. Cheap tobacco products can often seem like an attractive offer to people lured into purchasing them at what seem like bargain prices. However, the truth is these sales are unlicensed and unregulated. And those involved are not concerned if they are selling to children and underage young people."
HMRC and the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) monitored two large freight containers shipped from Dubai, via Hong Kong which arrived at the Port of Felixstowe. The documents described the containers’ contents as 1,020 cartons of baby toys; but instead each container was crammed full with over 10 million cigarettes.
(GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 August 2004
Man arrested in Glasgow anti-smuggling swoop
A man has been arrested after Customs officers seized more than four million smuggled cigarettes from a lorry in Glasgow at the weekend. The 35-year-old man, who is from Paisley, was charged with evasion of excise duty and a report has been prepared for the Procurator Fiscal.
Man arrested in Glasgow anti-smuggling swoop
A man has been arrested after Customs officers seized more than four million smuggled cigarettes from a lorry in Glasgow at the weekend. The 35-year-old man, who is from Paisley, was charged with evasion of excise duty and a report has been prepared for the Procurator Fiscal.
27 October 2015
Over One Million Cigarettes Seized By Border Force
More than one million cigarettes have been seized by Border Force officers at Hull docks. The cigarettes had been shipped to the UK inside an unaccompanied trailer which arrived at the port from Rotterdam, Holland. Officers discovered the cigarettes hidden inside shrink wrapped boxes which were labelled as roofing materials.
Over One Million Cigarettes Seized By Border Force
More than one million cigarettes have been seized by Border Force officers at Hull docks. The cigarettes had been shipped to the UK inside an unaccompanied trailer which arrived at the port from Rotterdam, Holland. Officers discovered the cigarettes hidden inside shrink wrapped boxes which were labelled as roofing materials.
11 January 2013
Customs Officers Seize 500,000 Smuggled Cigarettes
Customs officers have discovered 500,000 allegedly smuggled cigarettes and hundreds of counterfeit watches intended for sale in the UK. The items, worth £100,000 in duty alone, were seized in Bridgend on Tuesday at a storage facility near the town centre. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) also found £6,000 cash in a vehicle.
Customs Officers Seize 500,000 Smuggled Cigarettes
Customs officers have discovered 500,000 allegedly smuggled cigarettes and hundreds of counterfeit watches intended for sale in the UK. The items, worth £100,000 in duty alone, were seized in Bridgend on Tuesday at a storage facility near the town centre. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) also found £6,000 cash in a vehicle.
15 December 2004
Government warns of hazardous fake cigarettes
Customs Minister John Healey has launched a campaign warning smokers tempted to buy cheap smuggled cigarettes that increasing numbers of hazardous fake cigarettes are being sold on streets, in pubs and in markets around the UK.
Government warns of hazardous fake cigarettes
Customs Minister John Healey has launched a campaign warning smokers tempted to buy cheap smuggled cigarettes that increasing numbers of hazardous fake cigarettes are being sold on streets, in pubs and in markets around the UK.
24 November 2008
VAT Slashed In Pre-Budget Report
Drinkers, smokers and drivers will fill the 'economic void' expected to be created by today's widely anticipated 2% VAT reduction - through increased taxation, it has been announced. Presenting his pre-Budget report to the House of Commons, the Chancellor unveiled radical plans to slash VAT from 17.5% to 15% for 13 months.
VAT Slashed In Pre-Budget Report
Drinkers, smokers and drivers will fill the 'economic void' expected to be created by today's widely anticipated 2% VAT reduction - through increased taxation, it has been announced. Presenting his pre-Budget report to the House of Commons, the Chancellor unveiled radical plans to slash VAT from 17.5% to 15% for 13 months.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
