Fake cigarettes are seized

POLICE and Customs officers in Torquay have seized nearly half a million duty-free cigarettes after raiding a shop in the town.

The haul represents nearly 24,000 packets of cigarettes.

They also seized 137kg of hand rolling tobacco – more than 21 stone – and 181 litres of vodka.

The raid was a joint operation which also involved Torbay Council and Trading Standards officers. One man was arrested and interviewed on suspicion of excise fraud. Customs investigations are continuing.

A spokesman for Torquay police said: “The local police and Torbay Council licensing team have initiated a review of this premises’ licence which could lead to it being revoked.

“This was good work by all involved and highlights how issues can be resolved by information sharing and the use of spe- cific powers available to key agencies.”

Police have also thanked Torbay Council for its part in another joint operation, this time executing a warrant at a town centre address under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

A quantity of a controlled substance was recovered, along with cash and other items. Three people were arrested and interviewed and have been released pending inquiries.