HGV driver caught smuggling £1m of cigarettes

HGV Driver Caught Smuggling £1 Million Cigarettes

As he entered Dover, a Greek HGV driver was caught in an effort to smuggle 7.1 million cigarettes, together worth over £1 million.  The stash was found in the HGV lorry-load of grapes.

This illegal attempt was thwarted on the 24th August when the UK Border Agency officials stopped the truck.  The UK Border Agency is the agency responsible for securing the UK borders in terms of immigration and customs regulations.

The HGV lorry was entering the Eastern Docks after travelling from France on a ferry.

The HGV driver, Efthymios Galanopous, has been charged with duty evasion.  He appeared in court on 26th August and has now been remanded in custody and will reappear in court on 1st September.

A spokesperson for Dover HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) stated:

“We will not hesitate to take action against those involved in cigarette smuggling.”

The HMRC hotline is available on 0800 595000 for anyone with any information on this or any other case.

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