A man convicted of selling illicit tobacco in pubs and clubs across Nottinghamshire has been sentenced to a 100-hour community punishment order for selling counterfeit tobacco and cigarettes.

James Thomas’s sentencing was handed down following a tip-off to Nottinghamshire county council’s trading standards, and successful raid of his property. 

Just under 10kg of the rolling tobacco, and 384 of the cigarette packets found were counterfeit.

Nottinghamshire county council’s trading standards has launched a proceeds of crime investigation with a view to recovering any profits that Thomas made from his illegal activity.

Councillor Mick Murphy, chairman of Nottinghamshire county council’s community safety committee, said: “This sentence sends out a clear message that the sale of counterfeit tobacco will not be tolerated – our Trading Standards team will track down sellers and will make every effort to ensure they are prosecuted.

“Counterfeit tobacco reduces trade for legitimate sellers and the general public as a whole loses out through reduced tax revenue for essential services such as healthcare and care for the elderly.”  

To report someone who you believe is selling counterfeit goods, contact your local trading standards office or call the Customs hotline free on 0800 59 5000.