A man has appeared at Barnsley Magistrates Court today (20 April 2023) to face eight charges in relation to the possession and sale of illegal tobacco products (cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco). 

The case was brought to court by our Regulatory Services team.

Barnsley Magistrates Court was told that the cigarettes were found by a visiting Regulatory Services officer on two separate dates -  29 November 2021 and 16 February 2022 -  in BU Dearne Mini Market at Bolton on Dearne.

Jabar Ahmed Rasul, 38 of Chapman Street, Manchester, pleaded guilty to charges including offences under Section 6 Fraud Act 2006 for installing a secret concealment area to hide the illegal tobacco. 

Other charges related to selling cigarettes in packets other than the regulated Pantone 448c (a dull brown/grey colour described as ‘the ugliest colour in the world’) contrary to Regulation 3(3) of the standardised packaging of tobacco products regulations 2015, and without the necessary combined health warnings, contrary to Regulation 5(2) of the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. 

Mr Rasul was issued with a fine of £2,500, costs of £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £250.

Julia Burrows, Executive Director of Public Health and Communities, said:

 “All tobacco is harmful but illegal tobacco makes it easier for children to start smoking and get hooked. Sellers rarely care who they sell to. Fewer people are buying illegal tobacco and fewer people are now prepared to turn a blind eye to it. People can make a real difference to help keep more illegal tobacco off the streets by reporting it. We need to keep the pressure up on those who continue to sell it.”

Anyone having information regarding the sale of illegal tobacco, including incorrect packaging, is asked to contact Regulatory Services on 01226 773743.