Onyemenam arrived at Newcastle International Airport on a flight from Nigeria via Germany on November 26 last year. ‘He had three suitcases with him,’ Rob Lawson, prosecuting, said. ‘Border Force officers informed him that they were going to X-ray his suitcases, and two were found to contain a large number of cigarettes, 83,600. The duty evaded was £28,530.17.’
Onyemenam claimed that he had been transporting the cigarettes for his cousin and had made no financial gain from the scheme. Paul Kennedy, defending, said Onyemenam, who has no past convictions, stood by his claim that he was transporting for his cousin and made no financial gain. Mr Kennedy continued: ‘It was an opportunistic, one-off offence.’
However, District Judge Jayne Bryan did not accept Onyemenam’s claims and told him: ‘I don’t accept what you’re saying at face value.’ The judge continued: ‘You’ll have to give evidence about what you’re claiming. It’s a trial of the issue and will decide on what basis you will be sentenced. 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.’
Smuggling of goods is a criminal offence in the UK, and those found guilty could face fines, imprisonment, or both. The UK government takes a tough stance on smuggling to protect its borders, national security, and economy. The UK Border Force is responsible for detecting and preventing illegal immigration, smuggling, and other criminal activities at the UK border.
The UK government has been working with its international partners to combat smuggling. It has invested in new technology and training for its border force officers to detect and prevent smuggling. The UK government has also increased the penalties for those found guilty of smuggling to communicate clearly that it will not tolerate such activities.