Oldham man sentenced after nearly £3,000 worth of counterfeit tobacco found at his business
- Haul contained nearly 12,000 cigarettes and more than 3kg of rolling tobacco
- Business owner given 12-month community sentence
- Tobacco to be destroyed
A business owner in Oldham has been sentenced after more than £3,000 of counterfeit tobacco was found at his business address.
Aran Mohammady, who was sentenced to 100 hours unpaid work and given an £85 fine, was caught after a member of the public tipped police off to the sale of illegal tobacco products.
The haul was found at Odlham European Store by a sniffer dog and contained around 11,720 cigarettes and 3.2kg of rolling tobacco which had an estimated street value of £2,920.
The haul has been forfeited and will be destroyed.
Helen Lockwood, deputy chief executive of Oldham Council, said: “Our officers will continue to gather intelligence and visit premises and if we find evidence that illegal tobacco is being sold then we will take action.
“Selling illegal tobacco is not a victimless crime. It is usually poor quality and is sold cheaply, meaning it is easier for children to buy – lining the pockets of criminals.”
The police encourage anyone with any information regarding the sale of illegal tobacco products, should report it to www.citizensadvice.org.uk.