Customs officers pour bootleggers' haul down the drain in war against illicit alcohol trade
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.CUSTOMS officers supervising the destruction of more than 10,000 illegally imported bottles of beer and wine near Maidstone, Kent, yesterday. The 5,756 litres of alcohol was part of the 149,000-litre haul confiscated by Dover customs since import restrictions were relaxed last year. After being taken to a water treatment site, the bottles were crushed by a mechanical digger. The alcohol was treated before being discharged into the sewers. Bruce Davies, a customs intelligence officer, said: 'Some people would say that it's a tragic waste, and ask if it can be sold off.
'But our business is intercepting bootlegging and drugs. We're not in the business of competing with the retail trade who are hard-pressed enough as it is.' Under rules introduced on 1 January 1993, people can import as much alcohol as they like from the continent for their own consumption. But increasing numbers are illegally importing alcohol to sell.
(Photograph omitted)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments