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.
Source by :
http://www.utvinternet.com/newsroom/indepth.asp?id=72114&pt=n
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