Authorities in Northern Ireland dismantled what is believed to be one of the country’s largest illegal tobacco factories, following an October 5 raid by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) with support from the police. The operation uncovered a “state-of-the-art factory” equipped with expensive machinery, professional extraction equipment, and soundproofing insulation. Officers seized nine tons of tobacco and 1.3 million cigarettes, with an estimated value of over £3 million in unpaid duty. Seven men were arrested on suspicion of fraudulent evasion of duty, and investigations are ongoing.
Dermot Clarke, operational lead in HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service, described the site as “one of the most sophisticated tobacco factories we have ever uncovered in Northern Ireland,” warning that illicit trade harms public services, undermines legitimate businesses, and funds other criminal activity.
