Officers from HM Revenue and Customs are investigating a second large haul of cigarettes in less than a week in Kent after officers from UK Borders Agency seized approximately six million cigarettes. The attempted revenue evasion is approximately £900,000.

UKBA officers intercepted a lorry at Dover's Eastern Docks on Wednesday and during a search of the vehicle they discovered the cigarettes hidden within the load of frozen fruit.

The driver of the lorry, Ronan Hughes, 27, from County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, was arrested and interviewed by HMRC investigation officers.

He was charged with duty evasion and on Thursday appeared at Dover Magistrates Court. He pleaded not guilty and was granted unconditional bail. He will reappear at court in Dover again on October 23. Investigations are ongoing.

Bob Gaiger, HMRC regional spokesman in the South East said: "Smuggling and selling cigarettes and other excise goods is not a harmless tax fiddle.

"It cheats the Government of revenue which can be used to fund public services such as schools and hospitals. HMRC and UKBA will not hesitate to take action against those involved in cigarette and tobacco smuggling.

"Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to cigarette and tobacco smuggling should call the HMRC 24-hour hotline on 0800 59 5000."

More than than seven million cigarettes, concealed among a cargo of grapes, were seized on Sunday at Dover's Eastern Docks.

The driver of the lorry, Efthymios Galanopolus, 43, from Greece, has been charged with duty evasion.