HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Officers at Dover are carrying out an investigation following the discovery of 750,000 cigarettes concealed amongst cans of cola in the back of a lorry. The revenue evaded on the goods was approximately £140,000.
The lorry was searched at Dover's Eastern Docks after it had arrived on a ferry from France. The driver and passenger of the lorry, two Polish nationals, have been arrested, interviewed and released on bail to September 2010. Investigations are continuing.
Bob Gaiger, HM Revenue & Customs spokesman in the South East said:
"Revenue & Customs takes a very serious view of cigarette smuggling. It is not a harmless tax fiddle. This type of activity harms honest businesses and costs the UK billions of pounds in lost revenue that ends up lining the pockets of criminals instead of funding vital public services.
"Anyone with information relating to smuggled goods or other illegal activities should contact HMRC's 24 hour hotline on 0800 59 5000."
