JTI has removed its 25th tobacco gantry from a retailer in London found to be selling illegal tobacco.
Ketan Patel, the owner of Premier Food & Wine, has been fined and ordered to pay costs of £2,600 following action by Brent Trading Standards.
Charlie Cunningham-Reid, UK Head of Corporate Affairs commented: “This clearly demonstrates our resolve in taking action against this activity. If this type of crime continues, customers will lose trust in their local shops as the false impression grows that all of the independent trade is rife with ‘dodgy cigarettes’.
“Our commitment to support the actions of Trading Standards and HM Revenue & Customs is steadfast and we must work together to take a stand against illegal tobacco.”
Paul Baxter, CEO NFRN, applauded JTI’s action. “Any retailer who sells illegal tobacco in their store gives the rest of the sector a bad name and we encourage other suppliers to follow the lead of JTI and Camelot, who also have a policy to remove National Lottery terminals from illegal tobacco sellers, to take action.”
Those suspected of supplying illegal cigarettes can be reported to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000.
