Tobacco smuggler jailed for 16 months

A SEMI-retired airport engineer from Stockport who illegally smuggled a tonne of tobacco into the UK hidden in furniture, mirrors and handicrafts has been jaield for 16 months.

Brian Hulme, 64, of Hazel Grove, was sentenced last week at Manchester Crown Court, after  an investigation by HM Revenue & Customs.

Mike O’Grady, assistant director, HM Revenue & Customs said: “Brian Hulme thought he would get rich quick by smuggling tobacco. He had no interest or consideration for the honest, local businesses he would have undercut.

“Tobacco smuggling isn’t a harmless fiddle and HMRC will continue its efforts in stamping out this illegal trade.”

On December 19 last year, a container arrived at Felixstowe from Semarang, Indonesia. The paperwork showed the contents to be wooden furniture and handicrafts.

On opening, UK Border Agency officers found one tonne of tobacco packed in
50 gramme pouches, concealed within decorative urns and hidden in the backs of mirrors.

UKBA referred the case to HMRC who established that Hulme had arranged the importation. He was arrested and questioned.

Hulme was later charged with evading excise duty. He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.