13/10/2025
Biggest Ever Illegal Cigarette Factory Busted In Newry
One of Northern Ireland's biggest ever illegal tobacco factories has been dismantled following a raid in Newry led by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), with support from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
The factory was a state-of-the-art operation capable of producing 1.5 million cigarettes every day. The sophisticated set-up included professional extraction systems, insulation designed to hide noise, and expensive machinery.
During the operation, officers recovered more than 1.25 million cigarettes and nine tonnes of raw tobacco. The duty evaded on the seized goods is estimated to be worth more than £3 million.
Dermot Clarke, Operational Lead in HMRC's Fraud Investigation Service, called the find a "significant blow" to the organised criminals believed to be behind the operation.
He said: "This was one of the most sophisticated tobacco factories we have ever uncovered in Northern Ireland. The illicit tobacco trade steals money from public services, undercuts legitimate businesses and funds other crimes that impact our communities."
Seven men have been arrested in connection with the operation, and HMRC investigations are ongoing.
Mr Clarke encouraged the public to report any information about the illegal sale of tobacco or alcohol to HMRC online.
The factory was a state-of-the-art operation capable of producing 1.5 million cigarettes every day. The sophisticated set-up included professional extraction systems, insulation designed to hide noise, and expensive machinery.
During the operation, officers recovered more than 1.25 million cigarettes and nine tonnes of raw tobacco. The duty evaded on the seized goods is estimated to be worth more than £3 million.
He said: "This was one of the most sophisticated tobacco factories we have ever uncovered in Northern Ireland. The illicit tobacco trade steals money from public services, undercuts legitimate businesses and funds other crimes that impact our communities."
Seven men have been arrested in connection with the operation, and HMRC investigations are ongoing.
Mr Clarke encouraged the public to report any information about the illegal sale of tobacco or alcohol to HMRC online.
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UCF Welcomes Tobacco Sales Move
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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.