One of Scotland’s biggest illegal tobacco factories has been dismantled after a raid in West Lothian.
The state-of-the-art factory, capable of evading millions of pounds of duty per year, was uncovered in an operation by HMRC and Police Scotland.
The sophisticated set-up included expensive machinery and insulation to hide noise and smells.
Four tonnes of tobacco was recovered, worth an estimated £1m in unpaid duty, and suspected counterfeit tobacco pouches were also found.
Joe Hendry, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “This was one of the largest and most sophisticated tobacco factories we have ever uncovered in Scotland. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to target anyone we suspect as being involved in the illicit tobacco trade.
“The illicit tobacco trade steals money from our vital public services, undercuts legitimate businesses and can fund other crimes that harm our communities.”
Five people have been arrested and charged and investigations are ongoing.
