POLICE raided a Warrington shop and seized 217 packets of illegal cigarettes and 41 pouches of illicit tobacco, magistrates heard at Warrington.
Ahmed Said Yousif, 34, of Whitley Avenue, Latchford, Warington pleaded guilty to 13 offences under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 and the Trade Marks Act 1994.
He was ordered to carry out 60 hours of unpaid work and pay £150 costs as well as a £60 victim surcharge.
The court was told Yousif was charged in connection to seizures at two premises – one of them the International Mini Market, Orford Lane, Warrington,where the 217 packets of illegal cigarettes and 41 pouches of illicit tobacco were found.
After the hearing, Peter Astley (pictured), assistant director for regulation and public protection with Warrington Borough Council, said: “Illicit tobacco is a serious issue as it undermines our work to reduce smoking rates in the town and can be a gateway into smoking for very young people. Sellers avoid paying taxes and it is often linked to organised crime.
“We were able to catch and prosecute this seller through excellent partnership working with Cheshire Police and we will continue to identify more and more of these individuals.
“It is absolutely crucial that people report any suspicions so we can stamp out this trade and those selling illicit tobacco can never feel safe from detection.”
Cllr Judith Guthrie, the council’s lead member for environment and public protection, said: “Whilst all tobacco is harmful, illicit cigarettes pose a real danger to health. They also encourage crime in our communities. Illegal tobacco is often sold at pocket money prices, making it easier for children to start smoking and this seriously demoralises our efforts to improve the health of our residents.
“I am confident we will continue to work with our partners to crackdown on these sellers and bring them to justice.”
Information about the sale of illegal tobacco can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
