Thousands of illegally-imported cigarettes and large quantities of rolling tobacco were seized from traders during a HMRC blitz on one of Wolverhampton's largest car boot sales last week.
Traders at the 'Rabbit Run' car boot sale were detained and their goods and vehicles seized as part of the operation which caught one man with 2,880 'cheap white' Jin ling cigarettes, five kilos of handrolling tobacco and 100 cigars in his car.
Following a search of his home a further 2,220 cigarettes and one kilo of handrolling tobacco were found and seized.
Keith Morgan, specialist investigation detection manager for HMRC, said the illegal trade had a "devastating effect on legitimate retailers".
Morgan added: "We have active and effective teams operating across the West Midlands to deter and disrupt those dealing in illicit tobacco products and we would appeal to local people and businesses to join us in the fight against crime.
"We would encourage anyone with information relating to illegally imported goods or tax evasion and fraud to contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000."
Traders at the 'Rabbit Run' car boot sale were detained and their goods and vehicles seized as part of the operation which caught one man with 2,880 'cheap white' Jin ling cigarettes, five kilos of handrolling tobacco and 100 cigars in his car.
Following a search of his home a further 2,220 cigarettes and one kilo of handrolling tobacco were found and seized.
Keith Morgan, specialist investigation detection manager for HMRC, said the illegal trade had a "devastating effect on legitimate retailers".
Morgan added: "We have active and effective teams operating across the West Midlands to deter and disrupt those dealing in illicit tobacco products and we would appeal to local people and businesses to join us in the fight against crime.
"We would encourage anyone with information relating to illegally imported goods or tax evasion and fraud to contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000."
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