£3 million of tobacco seized in raid at illegal factory

The illegal tobacco processing factory was discovered at a rural address near Wisbech. It’s suspected the site was under the control of an organised crime gang.

HMRC officers, assisted by police from the Norfolk Constabulary, launched a search operation at the site on 14 July 2020.

In total, officers seized 9.3 tonnes of tobacco, including 1.2 tonnes of processed tobacco, which was found in a van that was stopped leaving the factory, and £12,000 in cash.

Machinery involved in the manufacture of tobacco was also dismantled and removed from the property.

Adam Kingsgate, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “Cheap cigarettes come at a cost, as they often fund organised crime and other illegal activity that causes real harm to our communities, such as drugs, guns and human trafficking. Smugglers are criminals who don’t care who they sell to, including children.

“That’s why disrupting criminal trade is at the heart of our strategy to clampdown on the illicit tobacco market.

“We encourage anyone with information regarding the smuggling, storage or sale of illegal tobacco to report it to HMRC online.”

No arrests were made and enquiries are continuing.

Information about any type of tobacco or tax fraud can also be reported to HMRC online at www.gov.uk/report-an-unregistered-trader-or-business