Illicit cigarettes worth £1.6 million seized in south Armagh
Almost three million illicit cigarettes were seized near Newry following a joint operation between HM Revenue and Customs and the PSNI.
HMRC officers conducted a search of premises in Camlough on Thursday 24th April, and uncovered 2.7 million non-UK duty paid cigarettes.
The cigarettes are worth an estimated £1.6 million in duty and taxes according to HMRC.
No arrests have yet been made, but enquiries are continuing.
Dermot Clarke, Operational Lead, Fraud Investigation Service at HMRC said this seizure demonstrates how they are disrupting the trade in illicit cigarettes.
“This is a crime that damages funding for essential public services and undermines legitimate businesses that serve local communities,” he said.
“We remain committed to working closely with our partners to relentlessly pursue the determined minority who refuse to play by the rules,” he added.
PSNI Commander for Newry, Mourne and Down, Superintendent Norman Haslett added: “This seizure sends a powerful message to those engaged in this type of crime that it will not be tolerated, and also underpins the dedication of all law enforcement in tackling the sale and supply of illicit tobacco products locally.
“The Police Service is committed to working alongside our partner agencies and we remain resolute in our efforts to put those who seek to profit from criminality before the courts.”
Anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco should report it to HMRC online.
Information about crime can also be given to police via a call to 101 or online at https://www.psni.police.uk/report
