Two West Midlands men have been jailed for their roles in a plot to flood the region with 500,000 counterfeit cigarettes.

More than £90,000 worth of fake Superkings cigarettes were discovered in an investigation by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

Adrian Farley, assistant director of criminal investigation said: “This latest investigation highlights our success in bringing to justice those responsible for this illegal trade across the West Midlands.  Far from offering the consumer a ‘so called’ bargain the goods are unregulated and it’s anyone’s guess as to what they actually contain. In addition there are no safeguards to underage sales or the conditions in which they are kept.”

“We need the help of local people and businesses to help us stamp out this illegal trade, which costs public funds £2 bn a year in lost revenue. Anyone with information about the storage or sale of illegal tobacco should contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000. Calls can be made anonymously,” he added.

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