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09/11/2001
Customs seize record consignment of illegal cigarettes
Customs and Excise officers in Northern Ireland have intercepted what is the largest ever consignment of smuggled cigarettes in the UK following the detainment of a ship at Warrenpoint.
Over 37 million cigarettes have been seized after Customs investigators detained the Cyprus-registered cargo vessel ‘Sylve’ at Warrenpoint on Wednesday November 7, en route from Latvia.
Customs today confirmed that the £8 million cigarette seizure is more than treble the previous record for Northern Ireland and is the largest-ever seizure in the UK.
Commenting on the huge consignment of contraband, Customs Minister Paul Boateng said: “Tobacco smuggling on this scale is not a victimless crime. It draws people into links with organised crime, attacks the livelihood of honest traders and in particular makes cigarettes cheaper and more accessible to children. Some of the gangs are involved in other forms of smuggling and illegal activity, and those who buy these contraband goods do not appreciate the variety of crimes they are supporting. This latest success shows the benefit of close co-operation with the police and highlights our joint determination to act on serious criminal activity at all levels of supply.”
The NI Security Minister, Jane Kennedy has also welcomed the seizure in Warrenpoint this afternoon of what may well prove to be the largest consignment of smuggled cigarettes ever found in Northern Ireland. She said: “This is another significant strike against organised crime and another success for the partners in the Organised Crime Taskforce. Tackling crime through this multi-agency approach is the best way of combating the threats posed to society in Northern Ireland by serious criminals.”
The seizure followed another haul of illegal cigarettes seized in Dundalk in the Irish Republic on Wednesday.
The £3 million cache, believed to have come from Estonia, has been linked to dissident republicans. It is not known if there is a link between the two shipments. (AMcE)
Over 37 million cigarettes have been seized after Customs investigators detained the Cyprus-registered cargo vessel ‘Sylve’ at Warrenpoint on Wednesday November 7, en route from Latvia.
Customs today confirmed that the £8 million cigarette seizure is more than treble the previous record for Northern Ireland and is the largest-ever seizure in the UK.
Commenting on the huge consignment of contraband, Customs Minister Paul Boateng said: “Tobacco smuggling on this scale is not a victimless crime. It draws people into links with organised crime, attacks the livelihood of honest traders and in particular makes cigarettes cheaper and more accessible to children. Some of the gangs are involved in other forms of smuggling and illegal activity, and those who buy these contraband goods do not appreciate the variety of crimes they are supporting. This latest success shows the benefit of close co-operation with the police and highlights our joint determination to act on serious criminal activity at all levels of supply.”
The NI Security Minister, Jane Kennedy has also welcomed the seizure in Warrenpoint this afternoon of what may well prove to be the largest consignment of smuggled cigarettes ever found in Northern Ireland. She said: “This is another significant strike against organised crime and another success for the partners in the Organised Crime Taskforce. Tackling crime through this multi-agency approach is the best way of combating the threats posed to society in Northern Ireland by serious criminals.”
The seizure followed another haul of illegal cigarettes seized in Dundalk in the Irish Republic on Wednesday.
The £3 million cache, believed to have come from Estonia, has been linked to dissident republicans. It is not known if there is a link between the two shipments. (AMcE)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
