A MAN has been charged with trying to smuggle 1.1 tonnes of tobacco into the UK through Southampton docks.

HM Revenue and Customs have charged Wuyang Wan, with attempting to cheat the public purse out of an estimated £160,000.

The 28-year-old, of Leslie Road, London, was arrested by investigators in West Sussex in July, after the seizure of hand-rolling tobacco at Southampton Container Port.

Wan has been charged with being knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of duty chargeable on the tobacco, contrary to the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979.

He has now been released on bail, and is due to appear at Worthing Magistrates’ Court on February 7.

HMRC spokesman Bob Gaiger said: “Tobacco smuggling costs the UK economy around £2 billion a year, money that is needed to fund vital public services. Anyone with information about tobacco smuggling can contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000 or email customs.hotline@hmrc.gov.uk.”