12 quizzed over fake cigarettes racket

By: Press Association

Eight men and four women were being questioned tonight about a multi-million racket involving the sale of cheap fake cigarettes in Derry.

Homes and businesses were also searched as part of a massive serious crime investigation in the city.

Three other people arrested during the operation, two men and a women, were released without charge after being questioned.

A police report on one was being prepared for the Public Prosecution Service.

The 15 people were detained earlier today on both sides of the River Foyle which divides the city of Derry, including the republican Gobnascale area.

More than 100,000 cigarettes, including quantities believed to have been manufactured in Spain have been recovered since last June, and a restraint order totalling over £920,000 has also been served.

Documents were also taken away for examination after the searches which are also linked to investigations into suspected money laundering.

The 15 were detained under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2000.