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21/10/2003
Nine people arrested in cigarette smuggling operation
Nine people have been arrested after the PSNI and customs investigators mounted an operation in connection with the smuggling of 23 million cigarettes into the UK.
Seven men and two women were arrested after cigarettes, which are believed to have been manufactured in China, were shipped into Southampton and Belfast in freight containers.
During July and August 2003, ten sea containers were intercepted, and in excess of 23 million cigarettes were seized concealed within consignments of furniture.
Commenting on the operation, Customs spokesman Bob Gaiger said: "Our operation carried out early this morning has been a tremendous success. We believe that we have dismantled a longstanding and sophisticated cigarette smuggling and distribution network."
Today's searches were executed in Birmingham, the West Midlands, Gloucestershire, Bristol and Northern Ireland.
The seven men and two women are currently under arrest on suspicion of being involved in the smuggling and distribution of cigarettes, together with the laundering of the Proceeds of Crime.
One of those arrested is believed to be from Belfast.
(MB)
Seven men and two women were arrested after cigarettes, which are believed to have been manufactured in China, were shipped into Southampton and Belfast in freight containers.
During July and August 2003, ten sea containers were intercepted, and in excess of 23 million cigarettes were seized concealed within consignments of furniture.
Commenting on the operation, Customs spokesman Bob Gaiger said: "Our operation carried out early this morning has been a tremendous success. We believe that we have dismantled a longstanding and sophisticated cigarette smuggling and distribution network."
Today's searches were executed in Birmingham, the West Midlands, Gloucestershire, Bristol and Northern Ireland.
The seven men and two women are currently under arrest on suspicion of being involved in the smuggling and distribution of cigarettes, together with the laundering of the Proceeds of Crime.
One of those arrested is believed to be from Belfast.
(MB)
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