Cigarettes And Alcohol Seized In Op

26 April 2011, 12:50 | Updated: 26 April 2011, 13:27

The crackdown on Tuesday and Wednesday last week was part of a joint initiative by HM Revenue & Customs, Cambridgeshire Police and Peterborough City Council's Trading Standards.

More than 50 retail, business and domestic premises were visited across the county and goods were confiscated form 26 of them.



Stuart Crookshank, Assistant Director for HMRC said: 

"Low cost tobacco and alcohol products can often seem very attractive to local people, lured into purchasing them at what seem like bargain prices. However, the truth is these goods have been smuggled and these sales are unlicensed and unregulated. Those involved are not concerned if they are selling to children and underage young people and the illicit trade has a devastating impact on legitimate retailers and the local community."

Local residents and businesses are being urged to help in the fight against crime and are encouraged to contact 0800 59 5000 or email customs.hotline@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk with information relating to illegally imported goods or tax evasion and fraud.