Shopkeeper fined for selling illegal cigarettes
A shopkeeper has been convicted of selling contraband cigarettes and tobacco more than two years after his shop was raided.
Trading Standards swooped on Batlic Mini Mart, Stafford Street, Walsall, in November 2015 seizing 12,900 cigarettes (645 packs) and 56.5kg of hand rolling tobacco (113 pouches).
Following a lengthy and detailed investigation shopkeeper Aram Mohammed Khadir was subsequently prosecuted by HM Revenue and Customs.
The 32-year-old from Cornmill Close, Walsall, ultimately pleaded guilty to four charges under the Trade Marks Act.
At Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court on Thursday he was sentenced to a 12-month community and ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work.
Khadir was also told to pay £3,393.65 in costs and a victim surcharge of £80.
Walsall Council cabinet chief Ian Shires said: "This is a great result for our Trading Standards Team.
"The sale of counterfeit and non duty paid tobacco pose a significant risk to the health of residents.
"Anyone purchasing these goods should understand that they are often funding the work of organised criminals involved in drug smuggling and people trafficking."
