HMRC seizes 1 million cigarettes & 12,000 litres of alcohol from West Lothian storage unit

An investigation is underway after 1.1 million suspected illicit cigarettes and more than two dozen pallets of alcohol were seized by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Officers made the discovery inside a unit at an industrial park in Whitburn, West Lothian, on Wednesday (27 April 2022).

As well as the cigarettes, 28 pallets of alcohol were seized, including vodka, whisky and prosecco.

The goods found in the unit are believed to be worth an estimated £631,000 in lost duty and taxes.

A van and a forklift at the scene were also seized, plus £5,000 cash. No arrests have been made and enquiries are continuing.

Anyone with information about the illegal sale of cigarettes and alcohol should report it to HMRC online at gov.uk.

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Published by

davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer