Market Drayton shopkeeper jailed for 20 weeks over illicit tobacco

Mohammed Bakhtyar, of the Magdalenka shop in Shropshire Street, pleaded guilty to a number of charges relating to a seizure of counterfeit, illicit and non-duty paid cigarettes and tobacco.

Bakhtyar appeared at Telford Magistrates Court on Friday, which heard a quantity of tobacco and cigarettes were seized by Shropshire Council's public protection team following a sale of tobacco at the shop.

The court was told the illegal items were concealed in a holdall under the counter at the premises.

Following this seizure, samples of some of the seized tobacco and cigarettes were sent for testing and found to be counterfeit.

The court was also informed that Bakhytar committed the offences in Shropshire while he was on a suspended sentence for similar offences committed in Herefordshire back in October 2014.

Grant Tunnadine, investigations team manager with Shropshire Council, said: "I am delighted with the outcome of this case as the sale of illicit and counterfeit tobacco is a crime that harms communities and legitimate traders alike.

"The court has clearly recognised in sentencing Mr Bakhtyar the severity of the matters that were presented before them and that this individual has chosen to continue selling illicit tobacco despite previously being prosecuted.

"Shropshire Council's public protection team will continue to take action against anyone who knowingly engage in this illegal trade."

Mal Price, Shropshire Council's cabinet member with responsibility for public protection, added: "This prosecution should send a strong message to those involved in this illegal trade that this activity will not be tolerated.

"It concerns me that those selling illegal tobacco will not have regard to other legal controls and are possibly encouraging people, including children, to smoke by providing a cheap source.

"As well as the obvious health concerns that this raises, legitimate businesses in Shropshire will also lose customers to the illegal trade in tobacco."

In 2014 the shop in Market Drayton had its licence revoked by Shropshire Council's licensing act sub-committee after illegally imported tobacco and cigarettes were found on three separate occasions.

Consumers who are concerned about any product on sale are encouraged to report the matter to the Citizens Advice Consumer helpline on 08454 040506, with which Shropshire Council public protection team works in partnership.