Men held after seven million smuggled cigarettes seized

Five men from Tyneside have been arrested on suspicion of tax evasion after seven million smuggled cigarettes were found in a lorry.

The men were arrested at a warehouse in Darlington, County Durham, after the lorry was intercepted by HM Revenue and Customs officials.

The cigarettes are estimated to be worth £1.5m in unpaid duty and VAT.

The men from Heaton, Gateshead and Elswick have been released on bail pending further inquiries.