Menu
30/01/2019
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.
Five commercial premises, one retail premises and one residential address were searched.
A sum of £21,640 was also uncovered.
PSNI Detective Superintendent Bobby Singleton said: "Retailers who stock and sell illicit cigarettes to the public should think carefully about the potential implications upon conviction.
"They and customers who knowingly purchase illicit cigarettes should also be aware that they may be indirectly funding terrorism and criminality which brings misery and harm to local communities, all for their own selfish gains."
A 56-year-old man from the Banbridge area was arrested and has since been released pending further investigations.
Steve Tracey from HM Revenue and Customs said the operation was targeted at criminal gangs who "steal from the taxpayer, rob public services and undermine legitimate, honest traders".
(JG/CM)
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.
Five commercial premises, one retail premises and one residential address were searched.
A sum of £21,640 was also uncovered.
PSNI Detective Superintendent Bobby Singleton said: "Retailers who stock and sell illicit cigarettes to the public should think carefully about the potential implications upon conviction.
"They and customers who knowingly purchase illicit cigarettes should also be aware that they may be indirectly funding terrorism and criminality which brings misery and harm to local communities, all for their own selfish gains."
A 56-year-old man from the Banbridge area was arrested and has since been released pending further investigations.
Steve Tracey from HM Revenue and Customs said the operation was targeted at criminal gangs who "steal from the taxpayer, rob public services and undermine legitimate, honest traders".
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 March 2024
PSNI Launch North Coast Easter Safety Message
The PSNI have partnered with Translink and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to ensure the safety of residents and those visiting the North Coast this Easter, focussing on Safer Roads, Safer Communities and Safer Socialising.
PSNI Launch North Coast Easter Safety Message
The PSNI have partnered with Translink and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to ensure the safety of residents and those visiting the North Coast this Easter, focussing on Safer Roads, Safer Communities and Safer Socialising.
05 March 2024
NI To Be Included In New UK-Wide Anti-Tobacco And Vape Bill
Northern Ireland is to be included in a new UK-wide Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will make it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. The proposed legislation will also provide powers to allow for further regulatory measures to address youth vaping.
NI To Be Included In New UK-Wide Anti-Tobacco And Vape Bill
Northern Ireland is to be included in a new UK-wide Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will make it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. The proposed legislation will also provide powers to allow for further regulatory measures to address youth vaping.
22 January 2024
Alliance Welcomes Support For Special Covid Memorial
The Alliance Party has welcomed the news that its proposal for a special Covid memorial has received cross party support from Belfast City Council.
Alliance Welcomes Support For Special Covid Memorial
The Alliance Party has welcomed the news that its proposal for a special Covid memorial has received cross party support from Belfast City Council.
28 February 2024
Woman Arrested Following Craigavon Search Operation
A 33-year-old woman has been arrested by the PSNI's Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) following a search in the Craigavon area on Tuesday 27th February. As a result of the search, a quantity of suspected Class B controlled drugs were seized, alongside cash and mobile devices. The items were taken away for further forensic examination.
Woman Arrested Following Craigavon Search Operation
A 33-year-old woman has been arrested by the PSNI's Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) following a search in the Craigavon area on Tuesday 27th February. As a result of the search, a quantity of suspected Class B controlled drugs were seized, alongside cash and mobile devices. The items were taken away for further forensic examination.
23 February 2024
Cash And Drugs Seized In L'Derry Search Operation
The Ballyarnett Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) in L'Derry have seized cash and suspected Class A and suspected Class B drugs durng a planned search of a property in the Racecourse Road area. A 20-year-old man who was arrested as part of enquiries has since been bailed pending further police enquiries.
Cash And Drugs Seized In L'Derry Search Operation
The Ballyarnett Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) in L'Derry have seized cash and suspected Class A and suspected Class B drugs durng a planned search of a property in the Racecourse Road area. A 20-year-old man who was arrested as part of enquiries has since been bailed pending further police enquiries.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with clear skies this evening. Patchy cloud will increase at times overnight, but some clear spells too. Light winds and some patchy shallow mist or fog towards dawn. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
