Don’t trade with criminals this Christmas

People are being warned by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to be on the look out for traders selling counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes or alcohol as the Christmas season gets underway.

As part of a crackdown against the illicit trade, over the last six months, HMRC officers have visited a number of commercial and private addresses in the North West where nearly 17 million cigarettes, over 260,100 litres of illegal alcohol and 1,650 kilos of other tobacco products have been seized.

Low cost tobacco products and alcohol can often seem like an attractive offer to local people, lured into purchasing them at what seem like bargain prices. However, the truth is these sales are unlicensed and unregulated, and often those involved are not concerned if they are selling to underage young people. In addition, with expertly crafted packaging it is almost impossible to spot whether the cigarettes or spirits are counterfeit. Like any other counterfeit product, individuals don’t know exactly what they are buying.

Graham Forbes, HMRC Special Investigations Manager said: “With an estimated £2bn in revenue being drained from the public purse each year by tobacco fraud alone, the problem is a real one, which we are determined to crack. We have active and effective teams of officers operating across the North West to disrupt this illicit trade which has a devastating impact on legitimate retailers having to compete against these black market traders, particularly at Christmas, one of the busiest times of the year.”

“Our officers have seized illicit cigarettes and alcohol in pubs, social clubs, off-licences, markets, tobacconists, newsagents, confectioners, as well as in some very unlikely locations such as farms, garden centres, fast food outlets including mobile burger vans and on one occasion even from the boot of a taxi cab.”

He added: “We are keen to work closely with local people and communities in the fight against this type of crime and would encourage anyone who knows of someone selling cheap or duty free cigarettes and alcohol to contact the Customs hotline on 0800 59 5000 or email customs.hotline@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.”