Alcohol is confiscated in West Bromwich storage units raid
Thousands of illegal cans of beer and bottles of wine destined to deprive taxpayers of around £40,000 in lost duty have been seized in West Bromwich.
Officers from HM Revenue and Customs discovered the haul, enough to fill an articulated lorry, at two units at a self storage facility in the town.
The consfiscated items included 14,640 cans of Carling, Stella and Fosters, 3,240 bottles of Stella and Desperados, 11,500 bottles of wine, including Blossom Hill, Lindemans and Echo Falls, and 150 bottles of spirits including vodka, whisky and amaretto.
After the raid on December 7, HM Revenue and Customs spokeswoman Jennie Kendall said: "We have active and effective teams operating across the Midlands to deter and disrupt those dealing in illicit alcohol.
"We will seize the goods and individuals may face criminal prosecution. This illegal trade has a devastating effect on legitimate retailers having to compete with black market traders.
"We would appeal to local people and businesses to join us in the fight against crime."
No arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing. It follows more than 1.7 million cans of beer and bottles of wine being seized by customs officers in Wednesbury last month.
