02/07/2010
Fake Cigs Haul Welcomed
The actions of customs and PSNI officers in seizing millions of illegal Chinese manufactured cigarettes in south Armagh have been welcomed by an East Belfast MLA.
The DUP's Robin Newton (pictured) said the violent thugs who smuggle cigarettes have no concerns for the increased health risks to those who buy their prohibited products: "The sophisticated criminal gangs who engage in this type of illegal activity are only concerned about the money they make," he said, yesterday.
"As the customs and PSNI personnel risk their lives in doing their duty these violent criminals care nothing for those they injure. They don't care a jot about the increased cancer risks to the men, women and children who smoke these churned out Chinese cigarettes. The smokers need to be aware of the increased health risks they are running," said the MLA and Stormont Junior Minister.
He was speaking as a 38-year-old man and a 17-year old boy were due in court on charges linked to the alleged smuggling incident in which two police officers were knocked down by a lorry.
One officer is still critically ill after being hit by the lorry during a combined anti-smuggling operation near Meigh in south Armagh on Tuesday.
The two are charged with withholding information, concealing criminal property and evasion of customs duty.
Police on both sides of the Irish border are still searching for the driver of the lorry, which struck the police officer and a colleague.
However, well over seven million cigarettes were recovered in the operation and it is understood that over the weekend a cargo of smuggled cigarettes arrived from China at Dublin Port and was then tracked across the border to south Armagh where the police raided property they suspected of containing the contraband.
See: PSNI Roadblock Officer 'Seriously Ill'
(BMcC/GK)
The DUP's Robin Newton (pictured) said the violent thugs who smuggle cigarettes have no concerns for the increased health risks to those who buy their prohibited products: "The sophisticated criminal gangs who engage in this type of illegal activity are only concerned about the money they make," he said, yesterday.
"As the customs and PSNI personnel risk their lives in doing their duty these violent criminals care nothing for those they injure. They don't care a jot about the increased cancer risks to the men, women and children who smoke these churned out Chinese cigarettes. The smokers need to be aware of the increased health risks they are running," said the MLA and Stormont Junior Minister.
He was speaking as a 38-year-old man and a 17-year old boy were due in court on charges linked to the alleged smuggling incident in which two police officers were knocked down by a lorry.
One officer is still critically ill after being hit by the lorry during a combined anti-smuggling operation near Meigh in south Armagh on Tuesday.
The two are charged with withholding information, concealing criminal property and evasion of customs duty.
Police on both sides of the Irish border are still searching for the driver of the lorry, which struck the police officer and a colleague.
However, well over seven million cigarettes were recovered in the operation and it is understood that over the weekend a cargo of smuggled cigarettes arrived from China at Dublin Port and was then tracked across the border to south Armagh where the police raided property they suspected of containing the contraband.
See: PSNI Roadblock Officer 'Seriously Ill'
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 June 2010
PSNI Roadblock Officer 'Seriously Ill'
A Sinn Fein Stormont Minister has slammed those behind a cross border smuggling attempt that has left two police officers injured - one of them very seriously.
PSNI Roadblock Officer 'Seriously Ill'
A Sinn Fein Stormont Minister has slammed those behind a cross border smuggling attempt that has left two police officers injured - one of them very seriously.
23 June 2016
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
30 January 2019
Almost Five Million Cigarettes Seized By Police
A significant haul of nearly five million cigarettes and almost 700kg of tobacco has been seized as part of a major operation by police and customs officers in Northern Ireland. The illicit material, worth an estimated £1.9m in duty and taxes that would have been lost, was uncovered during searches in the Banbridge, Carryduff and Ballyclare areas.
Almost Five Million Cigarettes Seized By Police
A significant haul of nearly five million cigarettes and almost 700kg of tobacco has been seized as part of a major operation by police and customs officers in Northern Ireland. The illicit material, worth an estimated £1.9m in duty and taxes that would have been lost, was uncovered during searches in the Banbridge, Carryduff and Ballyclare areas.
01 June 2006
Two due in court over terrorism charges
Two men who were being held for questioning in connection with terrorist charges are due to appear in court in Banbridge.
Two due in court over terrorism charges
Two men who were being held for questioning in connection with terrorist charges are due to appear in court in Banbridge.
20 February 2015
Lorry Overturns In Co Tyrone
A lorry has crashed and overturned in Co Tyrone. It is understood the cement lorry crashed into a graveyard at St Mark's church. Police have said the Crossowen Road, between Augher and Clogher, is closed in both directions. The driver of the vehicle has been taken to hospital for treatment. It is understood his injuries are not life-threatening.
Lorry Overturns In Co Tyrone
A lorry has crashed and overturned in Co Tyrone. It is understood the cement lorry crashed into a graveyard at St Mark's church. Police have said the Crossowen Road, between Augher and Clogher, is closed in both directions. The driver of the vehicle has been taken to hospital for treatment. It is understood his injuries are not life-threatening.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.