Police seized more than a million illegal cigarettes when they stopped a heavily-laden van on the A19 in the North East yesterday (Friday, April 19).
Officers from Cleveland Police's Matrix team found the Renault van packed to the roof with more than a 100 boxes, each containing thousands of cigarettes.
A man was arrested and the illegal cigarettes seized after the stop on Teesside.
A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: "On Friday 19th April, a van containing 1,230,000 illegal cigarettes was stopped on the A19 and a male was arrested.
"Matrix team officers stopped the Renault van which was travelling on the A19.
"123 boxes of cigarettes were located in the van, each containing 10,000 cigarettes. These have now been seized.
Don't miss out on the latest news and stories. Subscribe to the The Northern Echo for just £5 for 5 months. Click here
"The male driver of the van was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and HMRC-related offences.
"Cleveland Police Matrix Team will continue to target illegal use of the roads."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel