A five-year prison sentence on a man who smuggled tobacco through Dover has been welcomed by Customs officers.

Saiful Chowdhury was also found guilty of laundering an estimated £434,000.

Speaking after the sentencing, Malcolm Bragg, assistant chief investigation officer for HM Revenue and Customs, said: “This is an excellent result for our investigators who have worked hard to bring this case to its rightful conclusion.

“Along with the newly formed UK Border Agency we will not hesitate to take action against those dealing in smuggled goods and evading duty. This sentence will serve as a deterrent to others.

“Dealing in smuggled tobacco products is not a harmless tax fiddle - it cheats the Government of revenue which can be used to fund vital public services.”

Chowdhury, 39, a Bangladeshi, was jailed at Canterbury Crown Court on Monday after being found guilty of both offences.

The revenue loss on the tobacco was estimated to be £3.3 million.

Chowdhury had first been intercepted by Revenue and Customs officers at Dover’s Eastern Docks on the November 10, 2005.

Officers searched the van he was travelling in and discovered half a tonne of tobacco concealed in clothing. He was also found to be in possession of approximately £8,500.

Whilst on bail Chowdhury was intercepted twice more by officers at Dover each time at the outward bound controls and found to be in possession of a further £57,000 in July, 2006, and £54,000 in September, 2006.

These sums were seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act and he was arrested on suspicion of money laundering.

Further investigation showed that Chowdhury had set up a business account and between September and December, 2006, had transferred more than £380,000 to a tobacco supplier in Belgium.

Anyone with information relating to suspected stolen or illegally imported goods can contact Customs’ 24 hour hotline on 0800 595000.