Bootleggers who sold smuggled cigarettes in Southend are starting jail terms.

In the highly-sophisticated operation, millions of cartons of cigarettes were secretly imported through Dover, Portsmouth and Folkstone by the lorry load.

London's Southwark Crown Court heard how wholesalers from around the country would travel to Kent, where the stash was being kept, to load up lorries with cut price goods.

The scheme's alleged mastermind, who is thought to have fled the country, bought the cigarettes in Europe, South Africa and Hong Kong.

The illicit enterprise was brought to a halt in June 1998 by HM Customs - but not before the group had cheated between £10 million and £17 million duty and VAT over ten months.

Smuggled brands such as Benson and Hedges, Rothmans Pall Mall and Superkings were sold around the country including Southend, a court heard.

Twelve members of the gang have been jailed including Brian Sullivan, 57, of Ambleside Gardens, Hullbridge, who was found guilty of conspiracy charges.

Sullivan made at least 28 trips to the warehouses, the court heard.

Lorry driver Allan Taylor, 59, of Hardys Way, Canvey, was given a 12-month sentenced suspended for two years after admitting he was knowingly involved in smuggling.

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