Customs officers mounted more than 20 raids in Oxfordshire in a crackdown on illegal tobacco and alcohol imports.

About 57,000 cigarettes, 2.9 kilos of tobacco and a car were seized by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) officers during the raids.

Officers from HMRC`s Inland Detection Teams raided more than 20 premises in Witney, Banbury and Watlington, in a blitz to tackle the storing and selling of non-UK duty paid alcohol and tobacco products.

No arrests were made, but inquiries into the goods seized are continuing.

Bob Gaiger, spokesman for HMRC, said the duty evaded on the products seized was about £12,000.

He said: ”We are committed to tackling anyone who is selling illicit alcohol and tobacco products. This is not a victimless crime.

"It costs the nation millions of pounds in lost revenue each year, which could be used to fund vital public services.

"I urge anyone with information about the sale or storage of illicit alcohol and tobacco, to call the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000 or email: customs.hotline@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk”.