(Image: Northumbria Police)
More than £1 million worth of suspected illegally imported cigarettes have been seized by HMRC following a joint investigation.
The operation was carried out by Northumbria Police and Sunderland City Council in the Easington Lane area of Sunderland.
A total of 188,640 packets of cigarettes and 74.75 kilograms of hand-rolling tobacco were recovered from a residential property.
(Image: Northumbria Police)
Sergeant Paul Wilson, of Northumbria Police’s Sunderland Area Command, said: "This is a brilliant example of partnership working helping us to uncover a huge number of suspected illicit cigarettes and tobacco, hitting organised crime in the pocket.
"By working alongside the local authority, we are able to share intelligence and target those we think are engaging in illegal activity."
Sgt Wilson also emphasised the importance of neighbourhood policing.
(Image: Northumbria Police)
He said: "We are rooted in our communities and are here to listen to the concerns of local residents and take action.
"We rely on the public to be our eyes and ears so if you do have information which can assist in our work, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and provide details to us.
"Together, we can help keep our neighbourhoods as safe as possible for all."
HMRC is continuing its investigation into the seizure.
More than £1 million worth of suspected illegally imported cigarettes have been seized (Image: Northumbria Police)
Councillor Bill Blackett, Sunderland City Council’s cabinet member for environment, transport and enforcement, said: "This seizure demonstrates the importance of partnership working between Sunderland City Council and Northumbria Police."
"By combining our resources and expertise, we can take robust action against those who seek to profit from the sale of illicit goods."
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Councillor Blackett also highlighted the wider risks associated with illegal tobacco.
He said: "The sale of illegal tobacco undermines legitimate local businesses, can fuel organised criminal activity, and can make tobacco products more accessible to children and young people."
Anyone with information about illegal activity is encouraged to contact Northumbria Police via social media, the force website, or by calling 101.