Trading Standards cracks down on illegal tobacco sales in Buckinghamshire

The investigation began with a test purchase operation on 6 December 2019, which led to the discovery of counterfeit cigarettes at Roza Euro Food in Aylesbury. Further inspections were carried out on various dates and uncovered concealed areas where counterfeit tobacco products were being stored and sold to customers.

Two individuals, Mohammadi Siawash of Madeley Road, Aylesbury, and Catalina Leca of Leyfield Road, Aylesbury, were found to be involved in the sale of illegal tobacco. In separate hearings, both individuals pleaded guilty to the charges.

Siawash was sentenced to 11 weeks custody suspended for one year. He was also ordered to pay costs of £2,500 and a victim surcharge of £128.

Leca was ordered to pay a fine of £362 and £1,395 towards the prosecution costs, including a victim surcharge of £36.

Buckinghamshire & Surrey Trading Standards seized over 200 packets of counterfeit cigarettes from the retailer and have warned other retailers that the sale of illegal tobacco will not be tolerated in the area.

Mark Winn, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Homelessness and Regulatory Services, commended the Trading Standards team for its great work and emphasised the importance of disrupting this activity, both for making communities safer and for public health reasons.

“Illegal tobacco sales pose a risk to public health and undermine legitimate businesses," said Mark. "Consumers who unknowingly purchase illegal tobacco products are also at risk, as these products do not undergo the same quality control and may contain dangerous substances.”

Mark continued: “I’d urge residents to only purchase tobacco products from legitimate retailers and to check products for the required health warnings and packaging labels. Any doubts about the authenticity of a product should be reported to Buckinghamshire & Surrey Trading Standards. We take the sale of illegal tobacco very seriously, and we will continue to work closely with our partners to crack down on its sale and protect our residents.”

This successful operation demonstrates Buckinghamshire & Surrey Trading Standards' commitment to protecting the public from dangerous and illegal products.