A CUSTOMS hit squad has busted £1 million worth of bootleg operations and VAT frauds in the last year.

The real-life equivalent of the TV series The Knock moved to Blackburn last year as part of a reorganisation of the Customs and Excise operation in the North West.

And they have already caught several well-established booze and tobacco bootleggers, seizing large quantities of illegally-imported goods, as well as tracking down VAT evaders.

The team, backed up by colleagues in other areas, covers an area stretching throughout East Lancashire and over to the Fylde coast.

In the 12 months to April they dealt with 51 bootlegging cases amounting to £395,000 and 27 VAT-related cases amounting to £635,000 in arrears.

The team also seized 12 vehicles and dealt with three pornography cases and one drugs case.

A spokesman said: "We have had a very successful year, exceeding expectations in terms of VAT and excise work, the number of offences and revenue detected and vehicles seized while carrying goods. "Bootleg alcohol and tobacco are a big problem, although tobacco seems to have become more prevalent recently.

"It is fair to say we have had an impact in this area and I am convinced that our actions are deterring others from doing this sort of thing. We have heard on the grapevine that our work has hit a number of people hard."

The Government has admitted that £770 million in revenue has been lost since 1993 because of bootleggers bringing cheap booze and other goods into the country.

Bootleg alcohol and tobacco is sold on to work colleagues and friends as well as being offered at car boot sales and by the traditional street sellers and the "man in the pub."

The team has caught several bootleggers who have been making regular trips for a number of years.

And at least one investigation has led to the detention of a man thought to have brought more than £100,000 in spirits, wines and tobacco from the continent. Investigations are carried out mainly as a result of information given by the public or intelligence gathered by the police and customs staff.

The team has worked in conjunction with Trading Standards, Inland Revenue and Benefits Agency officials as well as the police.

Blackburn-based intelligence officers can be contacted in confidence on 01254 347629 or 01254 347666 and callers can also leave information on the national Bootleg Hotline 0800 901901 and Drugs Hotline 0800 595000.

The spokesman added: "Bootlegging is a national problem and we have our fair share in this area. The people responsible range from organised gangs to people who start off going on a one-off trip to the continent for alcohol and tobacco and develop their operation when they find out there is money to be made.

"Bootlegging is bound to have an impact on legitimate trade.

"People need to know that we are here and that Customs and Excise is doing its job in the area."

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