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.
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.
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.
21 January 2011
Cigarette Smuggling Ringleader Jailed
The ringleader of a criminal gang that smuggled over 64 million fake cigarettes into the UK, evading £10m in duty, was jailed for seven years at Southwark Crown Court. Peter Vyse, a Market Trader from Waltham Cross in Hertfordshire, was jailed along with nine other gang members for a total of over 30 years.
Cigarette Smuggling Ringleader Jailed
The ringleader of a criminal gang that smuggled over 64 million fake cigarettes into the UK, evading £10m in duty, was jailed for seven years at Southwark Crown Court. Peter Vyse, a Market Trader from Waltham Cross in Hertfordshire, was jailed along with nine other gang members for a total of over 30 years.
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.
-
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.
