1. Meridian
  2. 1 update

Man fined thousands for smuggling tobacco

A Nottingham man has been sentenced for evading almost £21,000 in duty fees after smuggling tobacco into Portsmouth Ferry Port.

Live updates

Man ordered to pay for smuggling tobacco

A Nottingham man has been sentenced for evading close to £21,000 in excise duty, after smuggling 100kg of hand-rolling tobacco into Portsmouth Ferry Port. He was ordered to repay the duty within six months - or face 15 months in prison and still owe the money.

Paul Adlington concealed the tobacco within internal panelling of his Ford Transit van. He was arrested by Border Force officers at the city's continental ferry port in August, and pleaded guilty at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday 10 January.

“It is important that we pursue criminals’ profits through the courts and recover money for UK taxpayers. This type of crime not only undermines legitimate retailers who have to compete with illegal imports, but also costs the UK economy around £2billion a year. People with information about tobacco smuggling should contact the Customs’ Hotline on 0800 59 5000.”

– John Cooper, Assistant Director Criminal Investigation at HMRC
Back to top