Customs seize smuggled meat

CUSTOMS OFFICERS have seized 10kg of illegally smuggled meat and fish at Inverness airport.

The contraband was found in the luggage of two passengers arriving at Inverness from the Philippines via Heathrow.

Mobile detection teams made the discovery. They also spent time checking private and commercial vehicles in Inverness, with three found to be using red diesel illegally.

Payments of £500 each were demanded before the vehicles were returned to their owners.

North of Scotland detection manager, Graham Gauld, said: “These seizures show Customs‘ mobile detection teams operate flexibly, with the support of the police, to tackle fraud and other crimes in remote areas.”

As well as tackling fuel and tobacco fraud, which was detrimental to local businesses, Mr Gauld added that it was vital to stop illegal food entering airports across Scotland.