£75,000 of suspected fake goods seized in raid on Huddersfeld shop

Nov 19 2009 By Sam Casey

A fortnight later 4,000 allegedly counterfeit and non-duty paid cigarettes were seized in a swoop at HD International Food just a few doors away.

A further 13,000 cigarettes were then discovered in a search at a house search at Harp Inge in Dalton.

The latest raid took place after tip-offs from the public.

HMRC spokesman Dave Gostelow said: "Cigarette smuggling is not an innocent or victimless crime but one that encourages otherwise honest people to trade with criminals.

"The illicit trade has a devastating impact on legitimate traders who have to compete against these cheap and unregulated goods.

"People need to be aware that the majority of smuggled cigarettes are usually counterfeit and because they are unregulated you have no idea what they contain.

"Smugglers are criminals and they will sell these cigarettes to anyone, including children."

Anyone who knows of someone selling cheap or duty-free cigarettes and tobacco from their house or place of work can contact the customs hotline on 0800 59 5000.