Following a recent spike in tobacco smuggling in the area of Western Beach, officers of HM Customs Flexible Anti-Smuggling Team and Enforcement conducted an operation that resulted in the arrest of five people and the seizure of a motor vehicle and 209 cartons of cigarettes.

During one afternoon, Customs officers dressed in beach gear arrested three Spanish 19 year old males as they attempted a run along Western Beach to the frontier fence and another two Spanish females for transporting the cigarettes. In total, cigarettes with an approximate value of £4,000, were confiscated.

All five persons have been released on bail till the 26th of October.

HM Customs is planning various other measures to counter illicit smuggling activity in this area.