More than £ 800,000 worth of tobacco has been discovered during a raid on an illegal cigarette factory.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) officers seized and dismantled the factory in Todds Green, Stevenage.
During the same raid unexploded devices were found and taken away by bomb disposal units.
Four men were arrested in connection with the factory at the scene and a further two arrests were made in Hornchurch, Essex.
During the raid two machines used for shredding tobacco and several tonnes of raw tobacco with an estimated street value of £ 848,000 were discovered. The machines are capable of making considerable quantities of tobacco products, including hand-rolling tobacco.
A quantity of counterfeit tobacco pouches and packaging equipment was also seized.
The amount of tax evaded is estimated at £ 495,000.
Five men were charged in connection with the illegal factory and bailed to appear before Ipswich Magistrates Court on Thursday. (pi)