Illegal cigarettes seized

Customs officers intercepted the van on the A5 between Omagh and Strabane, as part of the drive against the illegal tobacco trade in Northern Ireland.

The van ostensibly contained furniture but a detailed search quickly uncovered the illegal cargo concealed behind a false wall.

The mixed brand cigarettes are estimated to be worth nearly £60,000 in unpaid excise duty and VAT.

John Whiting, Assistant Director Criminal Investigation for HMRC said: “Tobacco smuggling isn’t about cheap cigarettes; it is organised fraud on a global scale, encouraging and supporting criminality within our communities, and robbing taxpayers of millions each year in unpaid duty and VAT.

“Anyone with information about the storage or sale of illegal tobacco in their area should contact the Customs’ hotline on 0800 59 5000.”

The man was questioned by HMRC and has since been released on bail. Investigations into the cigarettes and the seized van are continuing.