Afghanistan named in tobacco scam

WAR-torn Afghanistan is a conduit for millions of packets of smuggled cigarettes made by Imperial Tobacco that find their way back to Britain, alleges a secret Customs & Excise dossier.

The six-page document has been sent to the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee, which will question Gareth Davis, Imperial's chief executive, when he appears before the committee on 19 June.

Committee members have been astonished by allegations that Imperial makes half the contraband cigarettes sold in the UK.

Committee chairman and Tory MP Edward Leigh said: 'This dossier makes a substantial case against Imperial. It is very embarrassing for the company. I predict that by the time of the hearing, Imperial will be co-operating much more with Customs & Excise.'

Earlier this month, Richard Broadbent, head of Customs & Excise, said he was not satisfied with the co-operation from Imperial over a memorandum of understanding to stamp out smuggling. Rival tobacco firm Gallaher has agreed a deal with Customs and BAT is also poised to sign an industry code of best practice.