A huge illicit tobacco operation in Wishaw has been foiled.
An incredible 1.8 tonnes of compressed raw tobacco leaf was discovered and seized by HMRC officers from a haulage depot in the town last Friday, June 24.
When processed, this would produce two tonnes of illicit hand rolling tobacco with an estimated duty loss of £782,000. Enquiries are ongoing.
Joe Hendry, assistant director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “The trade in illicit cigarettes and tobacco damages funding for essential public services and undermines legitimate traders including small, independent corner shops that serve local communities.
“HMRC continues to work closely with our partners in Scotland’s Serious Organised Crime Taskforce to relentlessly pursue the determined minority who refuse to play by the rules.
“Anyone with information about the illegal sale of cigarettes and tobacco should report it to HMRC online at gov.uk.”
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