£1m of 'illegally imported' cigarettes seized

More than £1m of suspected illegally imported cigarettes have been seized by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

An investigation is ongoing after 188,640 packets of cigarettes and 74.75kg (11st 10lb) of hand rolling tobacco were recovered from a house in Easington Lane, Sunderland.

All of the cigarettes and tobacco recovered by Northumbria Police and Sunderland City Council's trading standards team last month are believed to be illegal.

Cabinet member Bill Blackett said: "The sale of illegal tobacco undermines legitimate local businesses, can fuel organised criminal activity, and can make tobacco products more accessible to children and young people."

Blackett urged anyone who comes across the sale of illegal tobacco and other prohibited products to report it to the council and Northumbria Police.

Sgt Paul Wilson said the operation had "hit organised crime in the pocket" and echoed Blackett's encouragement for the public to help.

He said: "We rely on the public to be our eyes and ears so if you do have information which can assist in our work, please don't hesitate to get in touch and provide details to us."

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