Over 11 million non-UK duty-paid cigarettes have been seized in a significant operation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), supported by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). The seizure, valued at an estimated £9.8 million in lost duty and taxes, took place on Monday, November 4, near Newry.
Superintendent Norman Haslett, District Commander for Newry, Mourne, and Down, praised the joint efforts of the agencies involved: “This is an incredibly significant seizure and shows our commitment to working with our partners to keep communities safe in Northern Ireland. We remain resolute in our efforts to put those suspected of profiting from criminality before the courts.”
Authorities urge anyone with information on the illegal sale of tobacco or alcohol to report it to HMRC online.
