A CURRY house has been temporarily stopped from selling alcohol after a swoop by UK border agents.

Herefordshire Council suspended the late-night alcohol sale licence at the Raduni Indian Cuisine restaurant in Homend, Ledbury, today after evidence of a “people smuggling” operation was uncovered.

A full licence review hearing will be carried out by the regulatory sub-committee within 28 days, to make a final decision.

The restaurant is still open for business according to manager Adbul Hasmath.

An emergency licensing review was sought by West Mercia Police after police and UK Border Agency staff swooped on the restaurant on Thursday, May 19, to execute a warrant over the employment of illegal immigrants.

The review hearing also means food can only be served on site until 11pm.

Jim Mooney, Hereford police’s licensing officer, told councillors five members of staff were detained due to their immigration status, causing the restaurant to close as they had no other staff left to operate it.

He said: “It is also believed their presence in the UK is as a result of serious criminal activity and is regarded as people smuggling.

“It is believed there is financial gain and benefit to the premises license holder for the continual employment of people in these circumstances.”

Mr Hasmath said: “We’re still open, I lost my licence that’s all.”