Five charged after one of the biggest illegal tobacco factories in Scotland discovered in West Lothian

Five people have been arrested and charged after an illegal tobacco factory, said to be one of the biggest ever in Scotland, was dismantled.

The “state-of-the-art” factory, which has been described as one of the “most sophisticated” ever uncovered in Scotland, was raided by police along with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in West Lothian.

Four men and one woman have been charged with alleged involvement following the raid on January 13 and police say investigations are ongoing.

HMRC said the set-up included expensive machinery and insulation to hide noise and smells.

The factory is said to have been capable of evading millions of pounds of duty per year.

Four tonnes of tobacco was recovered, worth an estimated £1m in unpaid duty. Suspected counterfeit tobacco pouches were also found and seized.

Images from the police raid on the factory on January 13. HMRC

Joe Hendry, assistant director of HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service, said: “This was one of the largest and most sophisticated tobacco factories we have ever uncovered in Scotland. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to target anyone we suspect as being involved in the illicit tobacco trade.

“The illicit tobacco trade steals money from our vital public services, undercuts legitimate businesses and can fund other crimes that harm our communities.

“We encourage anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco or alcohol to report it to HMRC online.”

Detective sergeant John Irvine, of Police Scotland, said: “We will continue to work closely with our partners to disrupt, detect and deter anyone involved in the illicit trade of illegal or counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco.

“We know that due to perceived higher profit margins, criminals can turn to the illicit trade in tobacco, which in turn can lead to other forms of criminality.

“If you have any information or concerns about illegal or counterfeit cigarettes or tobacco within the local community, please get in touch with HMRC or Police Scotland. Alternatively calls can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.”