Four arrested after seizure of 11 million cigarettes
More than 11 million cigarettes, worth an estimated £9.8 million in duty and taxes, were seized in South Armagh this month.
Four men, aged between 23 and 33, were arrested by HMRC on suspicion of money laundering, evasion of excise duty and evasion of VAT.
During the operation, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), supported by the PSNI, searched two premises near Newry and found 11.5 million non-UK duty paid cigarettes on Monday 4th November.
A number of vehicles, fuel laundering equipment and 400 litres of illegal fuel were also seized.
Described as an “incredibly significant seizure” Superintendent Norman Haslett said the operation shows a commitment to working with partners to keep communities safe in Northern Ireland.
“We remain resolute in our efforts to put those suspected of profiting from criminality before the courts,” he said.
Dermot Clarke, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service at HMRC added: “We continue to work closely with our partners to relentlessly pursue the determined minority who refuse to play by the rules.
“The trade in illicit cigarettes and tobacco damages funding for essential public services and undermines legitimate traders including small, independent shops that serve local communities.”
The four men arrested, aged 23, 31, 31 and 33 were released on bail and investigations into the seizure are continuing.
The seizure comes as the proposed generational tobacco ban only serves to increase fears amongst retailers that the ban will lead to a rise in illicit tobacco activity.
In research conducted by JTI earlier this year, more than a quarter of retailers have seen a rise in customers openly asking for illicit tobacco and vape products, while 26% said their store has been negatively impacted due to the sale of illicit tobacco and vapes by other businesses in the area.
Meanwhile, two thirds of retailers (67%) said they expect the ban to lead to an increase in illicit tobacco activity, with rising concerns in the industry that illegal products will become even more prevalent, damaging sales for the majority of hard-working retailers.
Sarah Connor, Director of Communication at JTI UK said that the sale of illicit tobacco continues to be a major thorn in the side of legitimate retailers across the UK, taking away thousands of pounds in revenue.
“In the UK, the illegal tobacco trade is already thriving. There is a real risk that the government’s proposed generation ban could exacerbate this, handing money to serious and organised crime groups that manufacture and sell illegal tobacco and vapes,” said Sarah Connor.
“Retailers can play a vital role in combatting the illicit trade. We’re working closely with our retail partners to ensure that they are knowledgeable and confident in communication the dangers of illegal products to their customers.”
