Cigarettes, vehicle and cash seized during policing operation

Over 13,000 illicit cigarettes, a vehicle, and cash have been seized as part of a policing operation in Londonderry.

Police on Thursday said it took place on Wednesday.

During the operation, HMRC seized approximately 13,880 illicit cigarettes, 2.2 kg of illicit hand-rolling tobacco, and one vehicle. Additionally, an estimated £2,000 in cash was seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

No arrests have been made at this time, but enquiries are ongoing.

It comes after 12 commercial premises, one residential address, and one vehicle were searched.

Lucie Irving, Assistant Director of HMRC’s Fraud Investigations Service said: “The trade in illicit tobacco and cigarettes damages funding for vital public services, including schools and hospitals, and undermines legitimate traders.

“We continue to work in lockstep with the PSNI and other partners to pursue the dishonest minority who refuse to abide by the law.”

Detective Chief Inspector Phelan from the Police Service’s Paramilitary Crime Task Force said: "These seizures send a clear message to anyone engaged in crime it will not be tolerated, and demonstrates the collective dedication of all law enforcement in tackling the sale and supply of illicit tobacco products locally."

Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney, The Police Service’s Area Commander of Derry City & Strabane, said: “The illegal trade of cigarettes and tobacco harms legitimate traders, who are operating honestly. This activity also, however, has a less obvious consequence and that’s a link with organised crime.”