Dover.uk.com

8.6 tonnes of tobacco seized at Dover

Sunday, 4 November 2012
Officers from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) are investigating following the seizure of 8.6 tonnes of tobacco from a lorry at Dover.

The tobacco, worth an estimated £1.2 million in lost duty revenue, was discovered by Border Force officers. It was concealed within a lorry that arrived in the UK via the Eastern Docks.

Bob Gaiger from HMRC said: "We believe this tobacco was destined for the black market economy, where it would have been sold unlicensed and unregulated. Tobacco smuggling undercuts legitimate retailers with devastating results, and costs the UK's taxpayers about £2bn a year.

"I would encourage anyone with information on tobacco smuggling to contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000 or email customs.hotline@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk."

Investigations are continuing.

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