Operation targets illegal cigarette and alcohol trade

A crime blitz on the illegal trade of cigarettes and alcohol in Windsor and Slough has been carried out by customs seizing more than £50,000 worth of goods.

The Thames Valley HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) department executed a two-day operation on Tuesday and Wednesday last week in the two towns, which they say resulted in the massive haul of goods.

Investigators found 150,000 smuggled and counterfeit cigarettes, 50 kilos of hand rolling tobacco, 3,000 bottles of spirits and wine and 4,000 litres of beer.

The operation focused on items sold in corner and high street shops, off licences and self-storage units, in a bid to rid the area of the black market trade.

Officers at the HMRC said no arrests have currently been made and investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with any information should contact the customs hotline on 0800 595000 or email, customs.hotline@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk