Police assist HMRC in seizure of 2.7million illicit cigarettes in Northern Ireland

An investigation has been launched after the seizure of 2.7 million cigarettes in Newry. 

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), supported by Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), seized the cigarettes, worth an estimated £1.6 million in duty and taxes, on Thursday 24 April. 

HMRC officers searched a premises in the Camlough area and found 2.7 million non-UK duty paid cigarettes. 

No arrests have been made, but enquiries are ongoing. 

Dermot Clarke, Operational Lead, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: 

“This seizure demonstrates how we are disrupting the trade in illicit cigarettes – a crime that damages funding for essential public services and undermines legitimate businesses that serve local communities. 

“We remain committed to working closely with our partners to relentlessly pursue the determined minority who refuse to play by the rules.” 

Police Service of Northern Ireland Commander for Newry, Mourne and Down, Superintendent Norman Haslett, said: 

“This seizure sends a powerful message to those engaged in this type of crime that it will not be tolerated, and also underpins the dedication of all law enforcement in tackling sale and supply of illicit tobacco products locally.

“The Police Service is committed to working alongside our partner agencies and we remain resolute in our efforts to put those who seek to profit from criminality before the courts.”

Anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco should report it to HMRC online.  

Information about crime can also be given to police via a call to 101 or online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport