Confiscation order for Lockwood retailer convicted of supplying illicit tobacco and oversize e-cigarettes
Monday 21 October
On 01 December 2022, officers from West Yorkshire Trading Standards Cheap and Illicit Tobacco Team attended Mero’s Mini Market at 254 Lockwood Road, Huddersfield to carry out an inspection. Bawan RASSOUL, the director of the company, was present. The officers discovered and seized a quantity of illicit or counterfeit tobacco products and disposable electronic cigarettes which were in excess of the maximum permitted tank capacity.
On 16 February 2024 RASSOUL attended Kirklees Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994, the Standardised Packaging of Tobacco Products Regulations 2015 and the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 on behalf of himself and the company.
The case was committed to Leeds Crown Court under s70 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and on 08 March 2024 Mero’s Mini Market Ltd was fined £2,000 and RASSOUL received a conditional discharge for 12 months.
On 21 October 2024 a confiscation order was granted against Bawan RASSOUL in the sum of £19,354.46. He was given 28 days to pay and a 7 day default prison sentence should payment not be made. An order was also made for the forfeiture and destruction of the illegal tobacco products.
David Strover, Head of Trading Standards – Business Services said “Far from being a victimless crime, the illegal trade in tobacco costs government millions each year in lost revenue, makes it easier for children to start smoking and it is unfair competition on other local retailers. Offenders will be pursued and investigated, including their assets under the Proceeds of Crime Act. I would like to thank all the partners and members of the public for reporting illegal sales and encourage everyone to continue doing so to reduce the harm caused by tobacco in our communities.”
Councillor Munir Ahmed, member of the West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee which oversees the work of Trading Standards said “The illegal sale of tobacco and vapes in communities enables and encourages children to buy it cheaply. It is really positive that so many partners are working to tackle traders that break the law. I would like to thank members of the public for reporting illegal sales and encourage everyone to continue doing so to reduce the harm caused by tobacco and vapes within our communities.”.
Consumers wishing to report illegal trading practices, including the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes can call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 to report their concerns - this can be done anonymously.