Customs raids - Massive FAIL

Dear HMRC,

It has been reported by the BBC that Customs officers raided 20 premises in Witney, Banbury and Watlington on 9 and 10 March.

Apprantley, 57,000 cigarettes, 2.9 kilos of tobacco and a car were siezed to stop the storage and sale of tobacco where no duty has been paid.

HMRC told the press that the tax 'evaded' on the seized products was about £12,000 and that no-one was arrested during the raids.

OK - so riddle me this....

A whopping 20 premises were raised and £12,000 of unpaid duty uncovered.... really? Only £12,000? When the CIA uncover a crime, they usually wait until the opportune moment before pouncing for maximum impact and usually make sure they capture the kingpin.

Twenty premises, £12,000 of unpaid duty and no-one was captured? Oh come on! What you gonna do now? - arrest the buildings?

So, to summarise...... 20 premises at a moment in time where the buildings were unoccupied by anyone and £12,000 of alleged unpaid duty. If no-one was in the buildings, how do you know the duty is unpaid?

It seems to me that someone very dumb, who has no patience decided to get gung-ho and charge in for his ego-fix too early. Self restraint is important yet lacking in all respects.

One big FAIL. You should beg the BBC to withdraw this 'news' because its very embarassing for your already battered image.

And yes... I can talk. I am Dangermouse.

DM