Border Force has revealed its officers found the biggest ever haul of illegal cigarettes into the UK after seizing a truck at the Port of Hull. According to the force, an astonishing 99 million cigarettes were discovered in the back of the lorry, which had been shipped via the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Hull Live has reported that the incident happened on June 1, 2022 but has only now been confirmed by HM Revenue and Customs. A 57-year-old man from south Wales was arrested in July in connection with the seizure and was released on bail, while another man from the Birmingham area has been interviewed under caution. Investigations are ongoing.
HMRC said the unpaid tax on the cigarettes was worth around £44m. Brands shown in pictures of the load included Marshall and Mayfair.
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They said a Border Force tobacco detection dog helped uncover the illegal cigarettes, which were packed inside eight shipping containers. The load had been described as 'birchwood logs' and shipped through the UAE on import documents.
Anthony Usher, Deputy Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “This is the single largest seizure of cigarettes ever made at a UK port – and our streets would have been flooded with them had they not been discovered.
“We are determined to stamp out tobacco fraud by working closely with partners in the UK and internationally to bring those responsible to justice.
“Cheap cigarettes come at a cost as they often fund organised crime and other illegal activity that causes real harm to our communities, such as drugs, guns and human trafficking.
“We urge anyone with information about cigarette fraud to contact HMRC online. Search ‘Report Fraud HMRC’ on GOV.UK and complete our online form.”
Irene Hall, deputy director, Border Force North Region, said: “Illicit cigarettes are dangerous, harmful and fund organised criminal gangs. The officers involved can be proud that this huge interception has stopped illicit cigarettes from entering our communities.”
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