Brent Council has revealed that in just one day in the run up to Christmas, the council secured five convictions in three separate cases involving illegal cigarettes.
The council launched prosecutions after carrying out snap inspections at a range of shops – in some cases, following anonymous tip offs.
Cigarettes, rolling tobacco and shisha tobacco products were seized, after being found not to not carry the required health warnings or having paid the proper UK taxes.
Jose Ochoa, Wissam Salhab and Tyours Ltd each pleaded guilty to three charges – the company was fined £750 with costs of £790, a victim surcharge of £75 and a court charge of £150.
Ochoa and Salhab were each fined £500 with costs of £250, a victim surcharge of £50 and a court charge of £150.
Mukhtar Ahmed pleaded guilty to two charges and was fined £500 with costs of £750, a victim surcharge of £25 and a court charge of £150.
Mihai Lupes and Bacovia Ltd pleaded guilty to two charges, after they were found with illegal cigarettes in two different locations on separate days.
The company was fined £900, with costs of £1,000, a victim surcharge of £85 and a court charge of £150.
Lupes was also fined £650 with costs of £236, a victim surcharge of £60 and a court charge of £150.
Brent Council's Cabinet Member responsible for Trading Standards, Councillor James Denselow, said:
“I don't know who these rogue traders think they're kidding – selling on smuggled tobacco products for knockdown prices is going to get you caught, convicted and heavily fined.
“Week after week, we're catching these people and the courts are handing down fines – it's about time they wised up and realised that we're not going to let them get away with endangering the health of local people like this, not to mention cheating taxes.
“We're naming and shaming the shops and the individuals, so as to encourage others not to follow suit.”
Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors
Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors can advise at any stage of a charge involving public protection offences, including selling illegal tobacco or alcohol, selling counterfeit goods, labelling offences, weights and measures, selling defective goods and breaches of food hygiene.
There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and a criminal defence solicitor can attend interviews with investigating authorities.
For expert legal advice on public protection offences, call Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors on 0333 772 0409.
For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.