Officers from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force have seized cash, cigarettes and a quantity of hand-rolling tobacco (HRT) during searches in Ballymoney.
On Monday (30 May 2022), officers from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), accompanied by PSNI colleagues, searched a residential property and eight nearby garages in the County Antrim town.
A quantity of cash, almost 50,000 cigarettes and more than 35kg of HRT was seized by HMRC.
The suspected illicit tobacco products are worth an estimated £35,000 in lost duty and taxes. No arrests were made.
Lucie Irving, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said
“Working together in partnership with other enforcement colleagues we can target the criminal gangs stealing from the taxpayer, robbing public services and undermining legitimate, honest traders.”
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly from the Police Service of Northern Ireland added:
“Working with our partners in the Paramilitary Crime Task Force, we remain committed to targeting and disrupting the activities of organised crime groups.
“We’re grateful to local communities for their continued support, and would reiterate our ask for anyone with information, or concerns, to contact us on 101. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Investigations are continuing.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland, HM Revenue and Customs and the National Crime Agency have established the Paramilitary Crime Task Force to tackle criminality linked to paramilitary activity as part of the Executive’s action plan on Tackling Paramilitary Activity, Criminality and Organised Crime.
Anyone who wishes to report suspected fraud to HMRC should search ‘Report Fraud HMRC’ on GOV.UK and complete our online form.