26/05/2009 - Shop selling illegal alcohol raided
Officers from West Mercia Police have seized "a substantial quantity" of alcohol with unpaid duty of more than £1,800.
The raid at an unnamed convenience store in Redditch was part of a clampdown on illegal trade in drink and tobacco.
Police, together with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), found alcoholic drinks, including wine and spirits, on sale without the duty having been paid.
This is the second Redditch shop in recent months that has been found to be selling alcohol with unpaid duty and has had goods confiscated.
PC Neil Sharpe, licensing officer for Redditch, said: "We seized beers, wines and spirits from the store. The revenue evaded was £1,845 and while we are pleased with the success of the operation, it is disappointing that this is the second shop."
Jennie Kendall, of HMRC, said: "This black market trade can have a devastating effect on legitimate retailers who pay their taxes and comply with the rules. They should not have to compete with retailers who sell untaxed and smuggled goods to otherwise honest shoppers."
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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