AN operation to disrupt the sale and supply of illegal tobacco and alcohol across Somerset has uncovered more than 98,000 cigarettes and 25 litres of booze, all believed to be illicit.

Around 24 officers from HM Revenue and Customs, supported by Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards Service, visited 29 retail premises and self storage units last Thursday (September 20).

The visits, as part of HMRC’s Tobacco Taskforce activity, led to suspected illegal tobacco and alcohol products being seized from five premises, including:

•98,800 cigarettes, with an estimated £21,418 duty and VAT evaded;

•0.5 kilos of hand-rolling tobacco, with an estimated £110 duty and VAT evaded;

•148 litres of alcohol, with an estimated £480 duty and VAT evaded.

Tracey Noon, assistant director of HMRC's Fraud Investigation Service, said: "The sale of illegal tobacco and alcohol will not be tolerated by us or our partner agencies.

"Disrupting criminal trade is at the heart of our strategy to clampdown on the illicit tobacco market, which costs the UK around £2.5 billion a year, and the sale of illicit alcohol which costs the UK around £1.3 billion per year.

"This is theft from the taxpayer and undermines legitimate traders.

"We encourage anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco or alcohol to report it online or call the fraud hotline on 0800-788887."

Jay Capel, lead officer on age restricted products for Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards Service, said: "Selling illegal tobacco and cigarettes is a crime and causes lost revenue to both legitimate local traders and the Government.

"The money lost to the Government could be spent on important public services such as schools and hospitals.

"The availability of cheap illegal tobacco and cigarettes also makes it harder for people to stop smoking and encourages children and young people to start."