Four tonnes of illegal tobacco worth £1 million was seized in one of Scotland's biggest HMRC raids.
Police Scotland and HMRC raided a state-of-the-art factory, capable of evading millions of pounds of duty per year, in West Lothian on January 13. The sophisticated set-up included expensive machinery and insulation to hide noise and smells.
The tobacco recovered was worth an estimated £1 million in unpaid duty. Suspected counterfeit tobacco pouches were also found and seized.
Four men and one woman were arrested and charged in connection with the raid.
Joe Hendry, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “This was one of the largest and most sophisticated tobacco factories we have ever uncovered in Scotland. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to target anyone we suspect of being involved in the illicit tobacco trade.
“The illicit tobacco trade steals money from our vital public services, undercuts legitimate businesses and can fund other crimes that harm our communities.
“We encourage anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco or alcohol to report it to HMRC online.”
Detective Sergeant John Irvine, Police Scotland, said: "We will continue to work closely with our partners to disrupt, detect and deter anyone involved in the illicit trade of illegal or counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco.
"We know that due to perceived higher profit margins, criminals can turn to the illicit trade in tobacco, which in turn can lead to other forms of criminality.
“If you have any information or concerns about illegal or counterfeit cigarettes or tobacco within the local community, please get in touch with HMRC or Police Scotland. Alternatively calls can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.”
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