MORE than 30 charges linked to the sale of illegal cigarettes and spirits have been brought against four men.
The charges follow an investigation into bootlegging by the fraud investigation unit of Blackburn's Customs and Excise department.
The men are alleged to have been involved in the sale of cigarettes, hand rolling tobacco and spirits worth tens of thousands of pounds.
A total of 33 charges have been brought against the four, who were all arrested last November following an investigation spanning several months.
David Thomas Everett, 45, a weighbridge operator, of New Lane, Steven Anthony Slinger, 31, unemployed, of Blackburn Road, and Keith Allen, 49, a scrap yard owner, of West View, all Oswaldtwistle, were all charged at Accrington police station.
A fourth man, John Wilson, 44, unemployed, of Long Preston, near Skipton, has also been charged with a series of criminal offences. They have been released on police bail.
Customs and Excise today appealed for information about the illegal sale of alcohol and cigarettes. They said anyone who can help should ring 0800 5950000 in the strictest confidence.
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