£26,000 confiscation order for man who was storing cigarettes and tobacco

On 5th August 2006, a confiscation order was made against Colin Armstrong, a 61 year old, from Hartlepool. Armstrong had been storing cigarettes and tobacco that had been illegally imported. He was arrested following a search by officers of H M Revenue & Customs. As a result of the search he forfeited his own car which had been used to transport the cigarettes and tobacco. He also forfeited £5,665 cash which was found during the search of his home.



In November 2005, he pleaded guilty to two offences under the Customs & Excise Management Act 1979 and was sentenced to four months imprisonment. Following his conviction the case was listed for a confiscation hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. At the hearing on 5th August, he was ordered to pay a £26,000 confiscation order with a further sentence of eighteen months imprisonment if he fails to pay.

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