RAIDS on businesses in North West london have netted around two thousand litres of illegal alcohol, 9,640 cigarettes and 91 kilos of tobacco.

Customs officers, trading standards, police and licence officers seized the goods at more than 60 shops and self storage units across Harrow, Brent and Hillingdon.

Duty was not paid on the haul, costing the tax payer around £15,500.

Bob Gaiger, a spokesman for HM Revenue and Customs, said: “We are committed to tackling anyone who is selling illicit alcohol and tobacco products. This is not a victimless crime.

“It costs the nation millions of pounds in lost revenue each year, which could be used to fund vital public services.”

Anyone with information on the sale or storage of illegal alcohol or tobacco can contact customs on 0800 595 000 or email: customs.hotline@hmrc.gsi gov.uk.