How is illegal tobacco linked to other criminal goods in Newcastle?
A huge haul of counterfeit hand-rolling tobacco was seized
following a raid in connection with pirate DVDs.
After police arrested a man for selling bootleg movies in
Newcastle city centre, they raided his home where they not only
discovered hundreds more DVDs - including pornography - but scores
of pouches of fake hand-rolling tobacco.
The tobacco was understood to have been imported from the
continent and made to look like genuine Golden Virginia
products.
It was feared that the illegal tobacco would have been extremely
easy for young children to get hold of.
Along with the 35-year-old who was originally arrested, a woman,
27, and a man, 30, were also held after the search of the
house.
They are now being investigated by the UK Border Agency (UKBA)
on suspicion of immigration offences.
Team manager Dave Ellerington said: "This case shows clearly how
the trade in one illegal commodity can be directly linked to the
trade in others."
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