France-UK alcohol smuggling surges

FRENCH customs officers have reported a surge in the amount of contraband alcohol seized at the Channel ferry ports heading towards the UK and Ireland.

Officers in Calais and Boulogne-sur-Mer have confiscated 82,000 litres of illegal spirits in the past month - the same amount seized over three months last year.

Whisky and vodka are the most common items, as smugglers attempt to avoid paying the high rates of alcohol duty levied on the other side of the Channel.

Customs checks have been reinforced on the 3,000 vans and lorries that pass through Calais every day. Officers estimate that this summer's seizures represent almost €1m in lost income.

The drivers who are caught either have no documents proving the legality of the cargo - or false documents claiming they are carrying other products instead.

Photo: Gilles Paire - Fotolia.com