Tories attack further HMRC failure

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The seized drugs and goods have vanished from an HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) store at Coventry Airport.

It is the latest scandal to rock the Government department that lost the personal details of 25 million people on the child benefits system and discs containing the names and addresses of more than 7,000 Northern Ireland motorists.

Reports claim cocaine worth £80,000 from half a dozen Customs raids, as well as other items have been reported missing.

Police are now investigating if the items were stolen or have simply been lost.

Shadow Chancellor George Osborne said: "This is yet another disaster from HMRC; a shocking security breach from the same Government department that last month admitted it had lost half the country's personal details.

"We expect the Government to protect us. The very least they can do is look after the drugs that they confiscate."

A HMRC official refused to confirm the details of what is thought to be missing. But he said: "We can confirm that a small number of items are missing from one of our offices in the Coventry area.

"We are taking this matter very seriously and have been co-operating fully with Warwickshire Police.

"We cannot comment further on this matter, it's subject of an ongoing investigation."