From: In Loughborough
A man caught selling counterfeit tobacco following a Trading Standards’ operation has been sentenced.
Leicestershire County Council Trading Standards officers seized more than 60 packets of cigarettes and rolling tobacco from Barham Rahim at the Ezee Shop, High Street, Loughborough.
The 22-year-old, from Balaclava Road, Derby admitted to six offences relating to the sale of counterfeit tobacco products.
Leicester Magistrates’ Court ordered him to carry out 50 hours of unpaid work in the community. Fines and costs were not awarded due to Rahim’s lack of funds and him now being unemployed.
Keith Regan, Leicestershire County Council Trading Standards Operations Manager said: “Dealing in counterfeit and non duty paid tobacco is illegal and unacceptable.
“Businesses should only buy their stock from trusted wholesalers.
“Trading Standards will protect consumers from the fake products, as they have not been manufactured legitimately and could be unsafe.
“We will also protect businesses that sell genuine tobacco products and the livelihoods of their employees.”
For more information about Leicestershire Trading Standards visit: www.leics.gov.uk/tradingstandards
If you have information about a rogue trader operating in Leicestershire email: telltradingstandards@leics.gov.uk
Notes to Editors
1. The hearing at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on the 27th July 2012.
2. The Trade Marks Act 1994 makes it an offence to manufacture, be in possession of or to sell counterfeit goods. The maximum sentence is an unlimited fine and or 10 years imprisonment.
