A NORTH-EAST haulier appeared before magistrates yesterday charged with trying to smuggle about 1.5 million cigarettes worth about £300,000 into the country.
John Heads, 52, of Sunderland Road, Elwick, near Hartlepool was arrested after Cleveland Customs and Excise officers discovered the cigarettes packed within a shipment of timber on the back of a wagon.
Another man was arrested at the same time as Mr Heads on Wednesday night. He was still being questioned by customs officers yesterday.
Mr Heads was charged with fraudulent evasion of duty at Newcastle Magistrates Court and was remanded in custody. He will appear before magistrates again on Thursday, December 14
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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 hereComments are closed on this article