The health of North Lincolnshire residents has been protected after a Scunthorpe shop owner was ordered to pay £3,500 in costs for the sale of illicit tobacco.
The tobacco was identified through test purchases made by North Lincolnshire Council’s Trading Standards at Omed Express on Parkinson Avenue and BB Stores on Frodingham Road in November 2018.
A subsequent raid at BB Stores in February 2019 saw 200 counterfeit cigarettes seized.
The owner of both businesses at the time, Saed Salah, pleaded guilty to five offences at a hearing held at Grimsby Magistrates’ Court on Friday 19 November 2021.
This follows the council’s Operation Indigo, which saw seven Scunthorpe shop owners prosecuted for selling illicit tobacco, resulting in fines totally more than £9,500.
Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for safer, stronger communities – urban, said:
“This is another successful prosecution which shows our determination to stamp out greedy rogue traders who sell illegal counterfeit cigarettes.
“Illicit tobacco can contain harmful substances that could damage your health and has no place in North Lincolnshire.
“Should residents have any concerns about people or businesses selling illicit goods, I would urge them to report it. The information could be vital to support our ongoing investigations and protect people’s health.”
Residents are being encouraged to report the illegal sale of tobacco via the Keep It Out website, or by calling the illegal tobacco hotline on 0300 999 0000.
