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More than 13,000 illicit cigarettes seized in HMRC Belfast operation

More than 13,000 illicit cigarettes seized by HMRC officers during Belfast operation
More than 13,000 illicit cigarettes seized by HMRC officers during Belfast operation More than 13,000 illicit cigarettes seized by HMRC officers during Belfast operation

A 44-year-old woman from north Belfast was arrested after customs officers seized more than 13,000 cigarettes and 4.95 kilos of hand-rolling tobacco, all believed to be illicit, during an operation in the city.

Twenty officers from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), assisted by the PSNI, visited 10 shops and one residential address on Tuesday.

Illegal tobacco products were seized from six premises, including 13,157 cigarettes, with an estimated £4,592 duty and VAT evaded.

Also seized was 4.95 kilos of hand-rolling tobacco, with an estimated £1,361 duty and VAT evaded.

In addition, £6,000 was also seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act

A 44-year-old woman from north Belfast was arrested and later released on bail.

Steve Tracey, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: "The sale of illegal tobacco will not be tolerated by us or our partner agencies.

"Disrupting criminal trade is at the heart of our strategy to clampdown on the illicit tobacco market, which costs the UK around £2.5 billion a year. This is theft from the taxpayer and undermines legitimate traders".