Customs right to seize Mercedes with 'smuggling compartment'

Customs and Excise were right to seize a Mercedes with a hidden compartment from a Liverpool man, a court's found.

The car was impounded by officers at the Sea Terminal as it got off the ferry in December 2017, after they discovered a hidden compartment big enough to carry 60 bags of sugar.

Its owner, Justin Hodgson of Tuebrook, said he knew nothing of the compartment and had bought the car in good faith.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said although she sympathised, a 1986 law gave Treasury the power to seize vehicles which could be used for smuggling and the seizure had been lawful.