A Lincolnshire retailer has been prosecuted after he was found to be selling illegal cigarettes.
Niaz Amadamin of Allenby Close in Lincoln ran the European Foods store in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire.
Lincolnshire Trading Standards raided the store in May 2014, uncovering thousands of illegal cigarettes and 33 pouches of Hand Rolling Tobacco hidden in a building to the rear of the store.
Amadamin was sentenced to nine months in prison at Lincoln Crown Court for the possession and sale of unsafe, counterfeit and non-English labelled illicit tobacco products.
His sentence was reduced from 12 months following his early guilty plea.
After the hearing, business and public protection manager at Lincolnshire County Council, Ian Newell, said:
“As always, we welcome this sentence as part of our ongoing fight against illegal tobacco.
“This has been a particularly complex case for our officers – and it’s been very rewarding for them to see the successful completion of this prosecution.
“Illegal cigarettes and tobacco products put people’s health – and even their lives – at risk and that’s why we are so pleased with this sentence.
“It sends out a very clear message that selling these products is a serious crime with tough penalties.”
Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors
Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors can advise at any stage of a charge involving a public protection offence, including charges relating to the sale of illicit tobacco and alcohol products, selling restricted goods to under-18s, selling defective produce, weights and measures offences, mislabelling offences, breaches of health and safety and food hygiene offences.
There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and in most major cities – and a Duncan Lewis criminal defence solicitor can advise at the start of an investigation and before charges are brought.
Our specialist criminal defence lawyers can also advise on appeals against conviction and sentencing, as well as Confiscation Orders under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).
For expert legal advice on public protection offences, call Duncan Lewis crime solicitors on 0333 772 0409.