AN illegal tobacco seller has pleaded guilty to selling illegal cigarettes and tobacco.

Jamal Saeed, of Alder Grove, sold the illegal items out of his store on Super Mini Market store in Port Street in Evesham.

This follows multiple raids by Worcestershire County Council’s Trading Standards Officers, who were assisted by West Mercia Police officers.

The products found and seized by offers would have had a retail value of £23,085 if they were genuine.

The 51-year-old Evesham resident admitted to possessing and allowing the sale of counterfeit and illegal cigarettes and tobacco when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on July 14, 2023.

Saeed was given an eight-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to pay costs and a victim surcharge totalling £7,658.

The raid on Super Mini Market was one of multiple raids conducted between December 8, 2021, and June 14, 2023.

A team, including specialist tobacco sniffer dogs, found significant quantities of counterfeit, non-duty paid and illegal cigarettes and tobacco that did not carry the legally required safety warnings.

Councillor Marcus Hart, Cabinet Member for Communities at Worcestershire County Council, said: “The sale of illegal tobacco products causes significant problems within our communities.

"The low prices charged for these illegal products only serve to encourage youngsters into smoking and deprive the exchequer of funds while also damaging local businesses that sell cigarettes responsibly and legitimately.

"Taxation on tobacco products is aimed at encouraging smokers to quit, but illegal products being available for less than half the price of legitimate products undermines this and the health of the public in those communities.”

"Trading Standard officers will continue to act against anyone found to be involved in the illegal tobacco supply chain.

"This is another great result for our Trading Standards team, working in partnership with our colleagues at West Mercia Police.”

To report a business selling counterfeit or unsafe goods, you can contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.