A MAN has been arrested after allegedly attempting to smuggle more than 350,000 cigarettes into the country through Southampton Docks.

The 52-year-old was arrested by HM Revenue & Customs officers for allegedly evading duty payable on the Seville cigarettes of around £68,000.

The man, from Chichester, was released on bail until April 16 while investigations continue.

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Derek Brooks, HMRC Senior Investigation Officer, said: "HM Revenue & Customs investigators have prevented a quantity of illegally imported cigarettes from being sold on the UK's streets, undercutting legitimate retailers.

"Anyone with information about illegal smuggling activities should call the Customs' Hotline on 0800 59 5000."

The cigarettes will be burned at a power station to fuel the National Grid.