At about 1730hrs yesterday afternoon, Police attended to an address in Gardiner’s View in answer to reports of a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, officers were met by two British nationals, a male and a female, who both made allegations of assault against each other following a heated argument which had allegedly turned violent. Both bore signs of injury with the female showing severe swelling to her cheekbone and jaw. Both persons were co- habiting as a couple at the time of the incident.

Both persons were initially arrested on suspicion of having inflicted actual bodily harm on one another, with the male also arrested for allegedly causing damage to various household items.

Whilst in the residence, officers observed large amounts of tobacco within a bedroom. Officers then obtained authority to search the residence with a total of 40 full boxes (10,000 cigarettes in each) and 10 half-boxes (5,000 cigarettes in each) of Ducal cigarettes being discovered in a bedroom and bathroom within the house. The total number of cigarettes seized was 450,000 Ducal cigarettes with an estimated value of £45,000.

Both persons were then further arrested on suspicion of unlawful possession of a Commercial quantity of Tobacco without a Licence.

The female was initially conveyed to St. Bernard’s Hospital where she was examined and later escorted to Police HQ where she was later released with no charges being preferred against her.

The male continues in Police detention at this time. Police investigations continue.