Tobacco haul found in sewage pipe

Smokers are being warned to stay clear of cigarettes and tobacco which may have been smuggled into the country after finding a stash hidden in drains.

Customs and Excise officers said they made the discovery at an address in Dudley, West Midlands, on Saturday.

Some of the 16,000 cigarettes and 2.5kg (5.5lbs) of hand rolling tobacco had been put into pipe work and then secured under a manhole cover.

A customs spokesman said they were in "the most unhygienic conditions".

Senior detection officer Keith Morgan said: "We are constantly warning people of the dangers of buying cheap tobacco products, which are unlicensed and unregulated."

Investigations into the matter are still being carried out.