05/11/2002

Illicit vodka bottling plant uncovered in south Armagh

Police have uncovered an illicit vodka bottling plant and seized £300,000 worth of contraband goods during a raid in south Armagh on Monday evening.

Police uncovered the vodka plant in Jonesborough were cases of drink labelled as Smirnoff and pre-printed Smirnoff labels were found, as well as counterfeit clothes, DVDs, video's, CDs and football shirts.

Police said that a large quantity of rolling tobacco and cigarettes were also removed.

Chief Superintendent Alan Caldwell said they were at the "very early stages of what is going to be a vigorous and complex investigation which will involve a number of agencies as well as ourselves".

However, while no one was arrested during the seizure, Mr Caldwell said it was clear police had foiled an effort to cash in on the drinks trade ahead of Christmas.

(MB)

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