Millions of fake cigarettes found

Nearly 12 million counterfeit cigarettes were seized

Nearly 12 million counterfeit cigarettes have been seized by customs staff at a Suffolk container port.

The cigarettes were found in three containers, from China, described as containing tissues, footwear and food, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) said.

The illegal hauls, which it is thought were destined for the Midlands, Manchester and London, were discovered on 12 and 13 July at Felixstowe port.

The street value of the cigarettes seized was estimated at £2m.

No arrests have been made.

Maddy Ratnett, a HMRC spokeswoman, said: "This illegal activity should be condemned by the public.

"Not only are counterfeit cigarettes more dangerous to health due to their unregulated chemical content, but smokers who think wrongly they are getting a bargain don't realise that this trade damages honest businesses, costs billions in lost revenue and lines the pockets of criminals instead of funding public services."