Eight Million Bootleg Cigs Seized

Seven men have been arrested and around eight million counterfeit cigarettes, hidden in a shipment of under-floor heating pipes have been seized by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) along the Irish border.

The cigarettes, thought to have originated in China, were seized following a multi-agency raid on commercial premises in the Forkhill area of south Armagh yesterday morning.

HMRC, assisted by the PSNI, searched a 40' container where they uncovered the cigarettes, worth around £2.4m.

Commenting, Robin Newton, the East Belfast DUP MLA welcomed the actions of customs and PSNI staff in seizing the illegal Chinese manufactured cigarettes in south Armagh: "The sophisticated criminal gangs who engage in this type of illegal activity are only concerned about the money they make.

"This illegal consignment confirms the sophistication and scale of the scandalous operation," said the Stormont Junior Minister.

"As the customs and PSNI personnel risk their lives in doing their duty these violent criminals care nothing for their victims.

"These black marketers have no idea, nor do they care, about the process used in producing the counterfeit cigarettes.

"For many users the good-deal in the short term will turn out to be a health rip-off in the longer term.

"The smokers need to be aware of the increased health risks they are running," he fumed.

John Whiting, Assistant Director Criminal Investigation, HMRC said: "Tobacco smuggling is organised crime on a global scale with huge profits ploughed straight back into the criminal underworld, feeding activities like drug dealing, people smuggling and fraud.

"Purchasing cheap cigarettes without the duty paid on them means trading with criminals, and undermining honest businesses. With expertly crafted packaging it is almost impossible to spot fake cigarettes, but like any other counterfeit product; you have no idea exactly what you're buying," he said.

"We will continue to work with our partners in the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) and the Revenue Commissioners in the Republic of Ireland and we are committed to stamping out the problem of cigarette and tobacco smuggling.

"This criminal activity undermines public health by creating a cheap and unregulated supply," he concluded, noting that the men were being questioned by HMRC and investigations are continuing.

Just last week, a man was arrested after the discovery of a 'bootleg' diesel laundering plant on domestic property in the Co Fermanagh countryside.

The illegal plant, which was capable of producing over half a million litres of illicit fuel a year, evading almost £300,000, was dismantled overnight by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

During searches of rural buildings in the Derrylin area, HMRC officers seized a number of vehicles, including a cattle truck used to transport the illicit fuel. Pumps, equipment and 3,000 litres of fuel were also removed from the site.

The man was later released on bail as investigations continued.

(BMcC/GK)