Manchester Airport seizes 4.8 million cigarettes
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Punch
UK border officials seized more than 4.8 million illegal cigarettes, 405 kg of rolling tobacco and 35 kg of cannabis at Manchester Airport. The four-day operation also led to four arrests and 23 people being refused entry, according to the UK Home Office.
British border officials seized more than 4.8 million smuggled cigarettes and 405 kg of rolling tobacco at Manchester Airport during a four-day operation. The products are estimated to be worth £2.59 million, according to the UK Home Office.
The operation targeted flights, luggage and passengers considered high risk. It led to four arrests, 23 people being refused entry to the UK and the seizure of 35 kg of cannabis. Twenty-six people were referred for further investigation, the ministry said.
In one case, a passenger arriving from Dubai was carrying 100,000 cigarettes in six suitcases. Officers also found goods concealed in altered pillows and false-bottomed luggage, with the help of detector dogs.
The Home Office reminded travellers that cigarette smuggling can carry a prison sentence of up to seven years and a flight ban. Last year, customs and the Border Force seized 1.9 billion illicit cigarettes, leading to 201 arrests, 134 charges and 83 convictions.
