Customs raids in London
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by Patrick Hook • Customs officers and armed police this week raided a series of London transport companies and seized trucks in an operation to recover millions of pounds worth of beers, spirits and other goods which were dodging excise duty.
It is said to be one of the biggest ever operations against excise duty fraud.
A total of 250 officers, supported by the S019 firearms unit, searched bonded warehouses, cash & carry outlets, transport companies and private homes before dawn on Monday.
The drink and other goods were intended for export but were diverted to the UK market free of tax.
A Customs and Excise spokesman said that the lost revenue would have amounted to over LIO0m. The confiscated vehicles are believed to have been used in connection with the alleged evasion of duty. HM Customs and Excise says: "I can confirm that armed police units were present, but I am not at liberty to say why it was felt necessary. A number of commercial vehicles found, mainly in the Harrow and east London area, have also been seized. Between 16 and 30 people are currently detained pending further enquiries."
No details of the people or transport companies involved have yet been released.