In a major blitz on bootlegged booze and cigarettes, customs officers in Cornwall have seized alcohol and tobacco with a retail value of £20,000 from just three pubs and private homes. It is estimated the culprits had evaded duty to the tune of £10,700 on the smuggled goods. The success of Operation Independence' demonstrates that customs is making progress in the fight to disrupt the black market, said spokesman Bob Gaiger. "Our success should serve as a signal to anyone thinking about selling smuggled goods that we mean business." {{NEWS }}