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Illegal tobacco seized in Radford raid (NCC release)

An operation lead by Community Protection's Trading Standards team and supported by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) led to the seizure of a large amount of illegal tobacco this week in a pre-planned operation to tackle counterfeit goods.

During the operation on Wednesday 12th January, a vehicle was seized containing 9,320 cigarettes and 2½ kg of hand rolling tobacco. A further 3,600 cigarettes and 30g of tobacco was seized from a newsagent on Radford Rd in Nottingham.

A man was arrested for failing to provide his details and for possession of an offensive weapon.

Sgt Paul Edwards-Cleaves, sergent for Community Protection said:

The operation was planned following a search at a property in St Anns in October 2010 where a large quantity of illegal tobacco products was found. A suspect was arrested and claimed to have been storing the tobacco for another person who owned a shop on Radford Road. We consequently searched the premises and seized the goods. This was a great result, meaning that approximately £2,500 worth of illegal tobacco will not find its way onto Nottingham's streets.

Lorraine Raynor, Head of Trading Standards for Community Protection said:

We are fortunate in Nottingham to have very strong partnership links. This operation saw agencies all working together to secure this seizure.

Illegal trade has a huge effect on our legitimate retailers and we will continue to work to tackle counterfeit and illegal goods.

Jennie Kendall, spokesperson for HMRC, said:

This operation shows our determination to stamp out tobacco smuggling and disrupt this illegal trade, which causes real harm in our communities. It impacts hard on legitimate traders having to compete with the black market economy and is costing the taxpayer over £2 billion a year in lost revenue ­ money needed to fund the UK's public services.

She added:

We would encourage anyone with information relating to illegally imported goods or tax evasion to contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000 or e-mail customs.hotline@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk

(Thursday 03 February 2011 09:00:00 GMT)

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