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• 2007
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• December
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• Joint raid leads to massive seizure of tobacco

Environmental Health and Consumer Protection officers from Knowsley Council joined police and customs officers in a raid that resulted in a massive seizure of smuggled cigarettes and tobacco.

Around 85 kilos of hand rolling tobacco and 248,000 mixed brand cigarettes were seized in the raid on a property in Huyton. The amount represents almost £60,000 in evaded duties.

A forty three year old man has been arrested and charged on suspicion of being involved in the fraudulent evasion of excise duty related to smuggled tobacco products.

He has been bailed to appear at Manchester Magistrates in January. It is believed the goods bore Spanish tax stamps. Tests are ongoing to determine whether the cigarettes are also counterfeit.

Cllr Ken Keith, Knowsley’s Cabinet member for Corporate and Customer Services, said: “ This is yet another example of excellent joint agency working to address the growing problem of counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes and tobacco which impacts not only on the health of the community but also on legitimate local businesses”.

Linda Paul, Head of Detection at HM Revenue and Customs (North West) said: “It is a criminal offence to buy or sell cigarettes, other tobacco products or alcohol which do not bear fiscal markings and on which the proper excise duty has not been paid.

“If members of the public know of premises buying or selling duty free cigarettes or hand rolling tobacco or suspect smuggled alcohol is being traded where you live or work, contact our hotline - 0800 595000.

“The line is open 24-hours a day and callers do not have to leave their name or address. Help to stop the smugglers, counterfeiters and fraudsters, create a level playing field for all local businesses and help stop criminal profits”

-Ends