Tonnes of illicit tobacco have been taken out of circulation after a large-scale illicit tobacco factory was discovered on a farm, fronting as a potato processing businesses, in Warwickshire.

Nearly seven tonnes of illicit tobacco, worth more than £2m in evaded duty, was found concealed in hundreds of potato bags during the raid.

The two rented agricultural buildings, in Bedworth near Coventry, were lined with black sheet plastic and were being used to process and cut hand rolling tobacco, without the landlord’s knowledge.

Officers also discovered counterfeit packaging, a cutting machine, and more than 10,000 cigarettes, all of which were seized.

No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding the smuggling, storage or sale of illegal tobacco can contact the HMRC Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887.

Reports can also be made to HMRC online at www.gov.uk/report-an-unregistered-trader-or-business.