CUSTOMS officials are appealing for public help to identify four men they want to speak to about illicit tobacco found in Bradford.

HM Revenue and Customs officers found 1.7 million cigarettes and 86kg of rolling tobacco at a self-storage site near the city centre on January 18 this year, worth an estimated £534,592 in unpaid duty.

Three men attended the facility the next day and asked about the units where the tobacco was found, and another man is believed to have arrange to rent one of the units.

HMRC believes these men may have information which can assist the investigation, and is encouraging them to come forward.

Anyone who recognises the men is also asked to come forward.

Eden Noblett, from the Fraud Investigation Service, said HMRC wants to create a “level playing field for traders who play by the rules”

Noblett added this kind of crime often goes beyond tobacco smuggling, into drugs, violence and money laundering.

Anyone who recognises the men or knows of their whereabouts is asked to call 0800 788 887 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, quoting reference number 54014.