Haul of counterfeit tobacco seized

Police in Leeds have seized thousands of pounds worth of counterfeit tobacco.

Officers were checking vehicles on King Lane, Alwoodley, when they recovered a large quantity of counterfeit tobacco and a number of pirate DVDs from a van.

The vehicle and its contents were seized and a 37-year-old woman was arrested.

A subsequent search of the suspect’s home address saw officers uncover more counterfeit tobacco, contained in packets of compressed tea imported from China, worth an estimated 12,000.

The woman has now been bailed pending further enquiries.

Friday’s operation brought together Customs and Excise, the Environmental Enforcement Agency and West Yorkshire Police.

Sergeant Ian Micklethwaite of the Roundhay, Alwoodley and Moortown Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We will not tolerate the distribution or importation of counterfeit goods and those that are caught doing so will be prosecuted.”

A large number of vehicles were also stopped and checked for “red” diesel by Customs officers.