Shop owner admits having £3k of illegal cigarettes and tobacco
A trader has been convicted of having more than £3,000 of illegal cigarettes and illicit tobacco in his shop in Smethwick.
Cristian Bobocoa, aged 37, pleaded guilty to the offences after the goods were found in his shop in High Street, Cape Hill.
The prosecution was brought by Sandwell Trading Standards officers under the Consumer Protection Act and Licensing Act.
Bobocoa, who was trading as Bargain Express, was visited by trading standards officers in August 2014.
Sandwell Council said sniffer dogs searched his shop dogs and revealed cigarettes being hidden in various locations including kitchen cupboards in an upstairs flat.
Bobocoa was given a community order for 12 months with 180 hours unpaid work.
He was also ordered pay £1,500 costs and £15 victim surcharge during the hearing at Sandwell Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Sandwell Council leader, Councillor Darren Cooper, said: "We will continue to take a firm line on rogue retailers who act illegally as well as competing unfairly with honest traders.
"The fact that Bobocoa has also lost his licence to sell alcohol at his other shops shows the seriousness with which the magistrates view these offences."
