Officers from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) are investigating a second large seizure of cigarettes in less than a week after officers from UK Borders Agency (UKBA) seized approximately six million cigarettes. The attempted revenue evasion is approximately £900,000.
UKBA officers intercepted a lorry at Dover's Eastern Docks on Wednesday, 27 August 2008 and during a search of the vehicle discovered the cigarettes hidden within the load of frozen fruit.
The driver of the lorry, Ronan Hughes, 27, from County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, was arrested and interviewed by HMRC investigation officers and was subsequently charged with duty evasion. He appeared at Dover Magistrates Court yesterday (Thursday 28 August), where he entered a plea of not guilty and was granted unconditional bail. He will reappear there on 23 October 2008. Investigations are ongoing.
Bob Gaiger, HMRC Regional spokesman in the South East said: "Smuggling and selling cigarettes and other excise goods is not a harmless tax fiddle. It cheats the Government of revenue which can be used to fund public services such as schools and hospitals. HMRC and UKBA will not hesitate to take action against those involved in cigarette and tobacco smuggling. Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to cigarette and tobacco smuggling should call the HMRC 24-hour hotline on 0800 59 5000."
