British tax and border police are investigating an attempt to smuggle around 750 kilogrammes of tobacco, hidden amongst toilet rolls, into Dover on Tuesday. The supply would be enough to make 1.5 million cigarettes illegally, the authorities told Radio ORLA.

UK Border Agency officers discovered the haul in a lorry that had arrived on a ferry from Dunkerque. Polish-born Robert Kusion, aged 25, who was driving the lorry, was arrested and appeared at Folkestone Magistrates Court this week charged with attempting to smuggle tobacco into the UK.  He has been released from custody on bail to appear at Dover Magistrates' Court on December 10.

The tax revenue value of the smuggled goods is estimated by British tax police at around £88,000.

“Tobacco smugglers are motivated by profit.  They don’t care about the impact their actions have on legitimate retailers.  Anyone with information about illegal smuggling activities should call the Customs’ Hotline on 0800 59 5000,” said Malcolm Bragg, Assistant Director Criminal Investigation.