A man from Cardiff has been arrested after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) seized over 169,000 litres of illicit alcohol, in what is believed to be the largest ever seizure of its kind in Wales. It is estimated that the wine, beer and spirits are worth £303,000 in lost duty and taxes.
HMRC officers searched an industrial unit in a business park in Cardiff on Tuesday where they discovered enough illicit alcohol to fill over eight 40ft containers. The alcohol was packed onto pallets, which HMRC suspects were ready to be distributed throughout South Wales.
Colin Spinks, assistant director, criminal nvestigation, HMRC, said: “This seizure has prevented nearly 170,000 litres of illicit alcohol entering the legitimate market, helping to protect honest businesses whose livelihoods are threatened by this unregulated activity.
“We are committed to stopping this criminal activity that costs the taxpayer around £1.2bn in unpaid revenue each year and I would urge anyone with any information on the sale of illegal alcohol to contact us on the Customs’ Hotline on 0800 59 5000.”
The man has been released on bail and investigations are continuing.
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