TPD17090 - Fraud and theft: Police and Trading Standards Officers

Police and Trading Standards Officers (TSO’s) are empowered to detain and/or seize excise goods under the Customs and Excise Act 1979 (CEMA) s.11 and the Department is encouraging a multi-agency approach to excise fraud.

You are unlikely to have many dealings with either the police or TSOs in the normal course of your duties controlling registered premises. You should know, however, that the police and TSOs have agreed to watch for unmarked cigarettes and HRT, which they may encounter in the normal course of their duties. All co-ordination between Customs, the police and TSOs will be through the Fraud Teams. There remains the possibility that either the police or TSOs may contact you for help or advice concerning particular brands that they encounter. You may be able to help but you should also ensure that they contact the local Fraud Team and inform them of the details of the case.