Customs officials stub out 92,000 illicit cigarettes
THOUSANDS of illicit cigarettes have been seized by Customs officials at Bathgate Market.
The West Lothian market was targeted during a four-day blitz by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) officials last week, which found almost 92,000 cigarettes being sold at premises throughout the Central Belt.
Five kilos of rolling tobacco and 2,000 cigarettes were seized in a BMW car, which was also taken, at Bathgate Market as part of Operation Dog Wood Prize.
The revenue loss to crooks from the four-day operation is estimated to be 21,554.
HMRC officers were supported by British Transport, Lothian & Borders and Strathclyde Police forces during the raids.
A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders Police said: "Our aim was to disrupt the trade of any counterfeit goods at Bathgate Market, and send a message to anyone who's involved that we are actively coming after them.
"At this time of year in particular, a bargain can seem tempting. It's important to remember, however, that the proceeds from this kind of sale are more than likely going to fund serious and organised crime.
"By raising awareness of this, we are working to reduce demand for illicit commodities, and cut sellers' profits.
"Any individual who is trading in counterfeit goods is contributing to the kind of criminality that causes misery for honest hard-working people.
"This success can serve as a warning that this kind of activity will not be tolerated, and we will continue to work with our partners, using all legislative powers available, to identify offenders and bring them to justice."
Seizures made during the operation also covered markets at Ayr and Bridegate in Glasgow, as well as domestic and business premises, and totalled 91,952 cigarettes, 28.6 kilos of tobacco, 45 litres of wine and the BMW used to transport illegal tobacco products.
Michael Connolly, assistant director of specialist investigations at HMRC, said: "The unregulated sale of illegal cigarettes and tobacco is not a victimless or harmless crime, and encourages otherwise honest people to trade with criminals.
"The gangs behind this form of criminality are motivated solely by greed and personal gain. Their lavish lifestyles cost the taxpayer around 3billion per year in unpaid duty.
"HMRC and our partner agencies are tackling tobacco fraud at all points of the supply chain, from smuggling and storage through to sale, and we are now using new technology to quickly identify the illegal and counterfeit products.
"We will continue to work with these agencies to combat this crime but we are also keen to work closely with local people.
"We would encourage anyone who knows of someone selling cheap or duty free cigarettes and tobacco to contact our hotline on 0800 59 5000."
Investigations into the individuals and crime groups involved are ongoing.
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Sunday 05 February 2012
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