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29/01/2003
Six million cigarettes seized in Co Tyrone
Customs in a joint operation with PSNI scored a major success against cigarette smugglers in Co Tyrone yesterday.
Officers intercepted a shipment of around 6 million cigarettes housed in an abandoned warehouse site near Coalisland.
The consignment of Sovereign Classic cigarettes, which would have cost the taxpayer £1 million in lost revenue, are believed to have originated from the Far East. Four men, who are all from Ballynakilly, Co Tyrone, have been arrested and charged in connection with the seizure. They have been bailed to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on the February 25.
If convicted, the men could face sentences of up to seven years jail and the seizure of all material and equipment used.
The Head of Law Enforcement Investigation for Customs’ Northern Ireland, Peter Hollier, said: “The removal of over £1 million worth of cigarettes from the illegal supply chain shows Customs’ commitment to tackling a trade that puts local shops out of business and takes cash away from hospitals and schools."
In the 2000 budget, the government committed £209 million to tackling tobacco smuggling. The slew of new monies is set to provide almost 1,000 more Customs officers and a national network of the latest x-ray scanners at ports.
(AM)
Officers intercepted a shipment of around 6 million cigarettes housed in an abandoned warehouse site near Coalisland.
The consignment of Sovereign Classic cigarettes, which would have cost the taxpayer £1 million in lost revenue, are believed to have originated from the Far East. Four men, who are all from Ballynakilly, Co Tyrone, have been arrested and charged in connection with the seizure. They have been bailed to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on the February 25.
If convicted, the men could face sentences of up to seven years jail and the seizure of all material and equipment used.
The Head of Law Enforcement Investigation for Customs’ Northern Ireland, Peter Hollier, said: “The removal of over £1 million worth of cigarettes from the illegal supply chain shows Customs’ commitment to tackling a trade that puts local shops out of business and takes cash away from hospitals and schools."
In the 2000 budget, the government committed £209 million to tackling tobacco smuggling. The slew of new monies is set to provide almost 1,000 more Customs officers and a national network of the latest x-ray scanners at ports.
(AM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with good clear spells bringing a rural frost for some and some fog patches in places. Cloudier around the coast of Country Down where the odd light shower may develop. Northerly breezes persisting. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
