A Lancashire man has received a three-month suspended prison sentence for possession, distribution and concealment of illicit cigarettes in Spalding.
Saman Ahmad Mahmood (36), of Lowndes Street, Bolton, was convicted of 13 charges relating to Nasza Biendronka off-licence in Sheep Market.
The sentence came as Lincolnshire Trading Standards launched a campaign to encourage residents to share information about the sale of potentially deadly illicit tobacco products.
Mahmood denied the charges but was found guilty at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on November 11. He was ordered to carry out 240 hours’ unpaid work within the next 12 months.
Ian Newell, business and public protection manager at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Brands such as Jin Ling, Pect, Fest and Richman are being sold in the county. Cracking down on these illicit cigarettes continues to be a priority for us, and we are continuing to work with HMRC and Lincolnshire Police.
“These brands of cigarette are particularly dangerous because they don’t go out when not actively being smoked, potentially causing a horrendous house fire, like in the sad case of 71-year-old June Buffham from Spalding in 2012.
“We are urging residents to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 if they have seen or suspect anyone selling illegal cigarettes.”
