A Nigerian man was apprehended in the UK carrying 83,000 cigarettes.
According to Daily Mail, Samuel Onyemenam was detained in the UK while flying from Nigeria to Germany with his bags.
Three of his suitcases were X-rayed by Border Force officers, who discovered that two of them contained cigarettes.
At Newcastle Magistrates’ Court, it was reported that 83,600 cigarettes in total were uncovered, with duty on them totalling £28,000.
In court last week, Onyemenam, of Chantry Close in Abbey Wood, London, admitted to illegally escaping duty after being detained, according to the Daily Mail on Monday.
The 50-year-old said he bought the smokes for his cousin and didn’t profit financially from the arrangement.
But District Judge Jayne Bryan rejected his claims.
Bryan stated, “I don’t accept what you’re saying at face value.
“You’re going to have to give evidence about what you’re claiming. It’s what we call a trial of issue and it will decide on what basis you will be sentenced on.
“I’m going to adjourn your case until 3 May back at this court. You will have unconditional bail to return to this court on that date and time. If you don’t attend, a warrant could be issued for your arrest.”
Newcastle Magistrates’ Court was informed that Onyemenam arrived at Newcastle International Airport on a flight from Nigeria to Germany on 26 November 2022.
Rob Lawson, prosecuting, added, “He had three suitcases with him.
“Border Force officers informed him that they were going to X-ray his suitcases and two were found to contain a large quantity of cigarettes, 83,600.
“The duty evaded was £28,530.17.”
Paul Kennedy, defending, said Onyemenam, who has no past convictions, stood by his claim that the cigarettes were for his cousin and made no financial gain.
Kennedy continued, “It was an opportunistic, one-off offence.”
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