Arrest made as 500,000 cigarettes seized in Newry raid

​HM Revenue and Customs announced the swoop in a statement on Thursday afternoon.

It said: “HMRC, supported by the Police Service of Northern Ireland, seized cigarettes and tobacco - worth an estimated £250,000 in duty and taxes.

"HMRC officers searched premises in Newry on Tuesday, October 17, as part of an operation to disrupt the sale and supply of suspected non-UK duty paid goods.

"They seized half a million non-UK duty paid cigarettes, 25kg of hand-rolling tobacco, two vehicles, £30,000 and €30,000 in cash.

“A 59-year-old man was arrested by HMRC on suspicion of evasion of excise duty and has since been released on bail. Investigations into the seizures are continuing.

PSNI Superintendent Norman Haslett said: “These seizures send a powerful message to those engaged in this type of crime.

“We are committed to working alongside our partner agencies to combat the illicit trade of illegal tobacco, wines and spirits and remain resolute in our efforts to put those who seek to profit from criminality before the courts.”

Assistant director of HMRC’s fraud investigation service, Lucie Irving, warned: “The trade in illicit cigarettes and tobacco damages funding for essential public services and undermines legitimate traders including small, independent shops that serve local communities.

“HMRC continues to work closely with our partners to relentlessly pursue the determined minority who refuse to play by the rules.”

HMRC says “anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco or alcohol should report it to HMRC online.” 

It added: “Disrupting criminal trade is at the heart of our strategy to clampdown on the illicit tobacco and alcohol market.

“This collectively costs the UK about £3.3 billion a year.

“This is theft from the taxpayer and undermines those trading legitimately.”