Description: In this news update, we cover the recent court order requiring a shop owner to pay £70,000 for selling illicit cigarettes. Trading Standards' commitment to stripping illegal tobacco traders of their ill-gotten gains is demonstrated through this significant ruling. The shop owner, Mohammad Riaz, formerly of Sunrise Supermarket, faced charges after a joint operation by Trading Standards officers and Bradford Council. The raid uncovered a large quantity of hidden illicit tobacco products, including counterfeit cigarettes and non-compliant items. Riaz pleaded guilty, resulting in a 28-day prison sentence. Now, in a proceeds of crime hearing, the court has ruled that Riaz must repay £70,000 within three months. This case sheds light on the dangers of counterfeit tobacco and the ongoing efforts to combat illegal trading.

Tags: Shop owner, Illicit cigarettes, Trading Standards, Court order, Sunrise Supermarket, Bradford Council, Raid, Counterfeit cigarettes, Non-compliant tobacco products, Proceeds of crime, Fine, Financial penalty, Illegal tobacco trading, Counterfeit goods, Public health, Organized crime, News update.

Hashtags: #IllicitCigarettes #TradingStandards #ShopOwner #CourtOrder #SunriseSupermarket #CounterfeitCigarettes #IllegalTobaccoTrading #PublicHealth #OrganizedCrime #NewsUpdate

Shop Owner Ordered to Pay £70,000 for Illicit Cigarette Sales | News UpdateShop owner Mohammad Riaz, who served jail time for selling illicit cigarettes, has been ordered by a court to pay £70,000. Trading Standards aims to strip illegal tobacco traders of their gains. During a raid at Sunrise Supermarket in June 2021, officers found hidden packets of illicit tobacco, leading to charges against Riaz. The seized contraband included counterfeit cigarettes and non-compliant products. Riaz pleaded guilty and received a 28-day prison sentence. At a recent proceeds of crime hearing, Riaz was ordered to repay £70,000 within three months. Trading Standards requested £9,509 for costs but was awarded £900. This case highlights the dangers of counterfeit tobacco and efforts to combat illegal trading.

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