Officers from UK Border Agency seized approximately two million cigarettes on Sunday 30th August at Dover. The revenue lost to the UK Government was estimated to be £380,000.
A Polish registered vehicle arrived on a ferry from Dunkirk and was intercepted by UKBA officers at the inward freight controls. After questioning the 40 year old Polish driver officers searched the vehicle and its load of insulation blocks. The cigarettes were found in the centre of the pallets surrounded by the insulation and each pallet had then been shrink wrapped.
The case was passed to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) investigation officers for further investigation.
Paul Booth Border Force Assistant Director for Dover said, "This was an excellent detection by our officers, the cigarettes had been well hidden and professionally wrapped in an attempt to evade UK Border Agency controls. UK Border Agency in partnership with HMRC, will not hesitate to take action against those involved in smuggling."
