Customs swoop on seven million smuggled cigarettes
Customs officers in Northern Ireland have made their biggest seizure under new proceeds of crime legislation, it was revealed tonight.
During a large scale operation in Co Down over the weekend Customs seized more than seven million smuggled cigarettes and an estimated €450,000 in cash.
The seizures led to the arrest of eight people, four of whom have already appeared in court in Belfast and Lisburn, Co Antrim over the last two days.
Four others have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.
The cigarettes, which had arrived by sea container from Indonesia, were uncovered at remote premises at Hillsborough, Co Down.
The cash was found during a follow-up search a few miles away at Moira.
A customs spokesman said that during the Hillsborough operation police also recovered two firearms.
Customs head of investigation in Northern Ireland, Jane Salt, said: “This operation highlights our intention to stop major organised smuggling operations.”
She added: “It is a great example of us using our full powers to take action against the proceeds of crime.
“Money is the life-blood of serious and organised crime and this action will have disrupted a number of criminal enterprises in Northern Ireland.”
Ms Salt said the new powers to seize cash, introduced last summer, were a “very important new weapon” in the armoury used in the fight against organised crime.
“The government is determined to crack down on those who seek to profit from their illegal activities,” she added.
During a linked operation Customs officers also seized 3,400 litres of laundered diesel fuel and two vehicles running on laundered fuel.
