THREE off-licences have had thousands of pounds worth of illegal booze seized.
The businesses, all in Whitechapel, were targeted by plain-clothed officers from Trading Standards the Whitechapel Town Centre Team.
One of the premises was alone found to have almost �5,000 worth of illegal wine and spirits on its shelves – a tax evasion of around �3,000.
Bob Gaiger, from HM Revenue and Customs, said a prosecution will be considered, but often having the goods confiscated is a sufficient financial penalty in itself.
He added: “We estimate that spirit fraud alone deprives the public purse of around �350 million a year in lost revenue.”
PC Joe Prasad, from the town centre team said the public should be wary of buying smuggled drink because “you never quite know what’s in it”.
The operation, on December 22, was targeting those selling smuggled alcohol, tobacco and counterfeit goods
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here