AROUND 100 revenue and customs investigators, police and trading standards officers raided 30 houses, shops and warehouses across Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire as part of a suspected £6m cigarette smuggling fraud.

Eastern Daily Press: Part of the haul seized by 100 strong customs task forcePart of the haul seized by 100 strong customs task force (Image: Archant)

Five men were arrested during yesterday's operation and are all being quizzed about being involved in the evasion of excise duties.

Two men, aged 34 and 27, with addresses in Boston were arrested in Spalding.

Three others, aged 52, 22 and 45 were arrested in Peterborough.

In total 630,000 illicit cigarettes were seized together with £13,000 found at two houses in Peterborough.

All five have been bailed.

Richard Las, HMRC's deputy director for criminal investigation, said the arrests centred primarily around the illegal important of Jing ling cigarettes.

Mr Las said: 'This operation is an HMRC-led investigation targeting suspected cigarette smuggling and money laundering offences, centred on Peterborough and Spalding.

'We cannot provide any further information as the investigation is continuing.'

He said the operation 'sends out a clear message to those involved in this type of criminality.

'Attempts to import distribute and sell tobacco goods on which UK duty have not been paid are treated extremely seriously by HMRC, and we will relentlessly pursue any individuals or crime gangs believed to be involved.'

CONTACT: Customs have a 24 hotline to report the sale of illegal tobacco. 0800 59 5000.'