AN illicit tobacco seller hid his illegal products in a hole dug into a shop floor, Warrington magistrates were told.
But a visit by police, with sniffer dogs, and Trading Standards officers uncovered the goods at the International Mini Market in Orford Lane, Warrington.
Ismaiel Fatah Ismaiel, aged 34, of Rossall Crescent, Leigh, appeared before the court and pleaded guilty to charges made under the Trade Marks Act 1994, Consumer Protection Act 1987 and Consumer
Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
More than 4800 illegal cigarettesand 800g of hand rolling tobacco was seized from the shop.
On a further visit, another 2420 cigarettes and 650g of hand rolling tobacco were seized.
Ismaiel was working in the shop at the time and was witnessed making a sale of 200 illegal PECT branded cigarettes to a member of the public.
Ismaiel was fined £300, ordered to pay £750 in costs, and a victim surcharge of £30, a total of £1,080.
After the hearing, Pete Astley, assistant director for regulation and public protection at the council, said: “We were able to catch and prosecute this seller after information was received about the sale of illegal tobacco at these premises. It is absolutely crucial that people report any suspicions about the sale of such goods so we can stamp out this trade.
“Through excellent partnership working with Cheshire Police we are identifying more and more of these individuals so no one selling illicit tobacco can ever feel safe from detection.
“All tobacco is harmful, but illicit cigarettes seriously undermine our drive to reduce smoking, fuel organised criminality and are often a gateway for our young people to be addicted to the habit which prematurely kills over half its users.”
Pictured: The illicit tobacco in the hole in the floor
