Two individuals have been sentenced this week after illegal tobacco was found at two premises in Stoke-on-Trent.

Sirwan Farig Hussain, the former owner of Waterloo Stores, Burslem, pleaded guilty to two counts of supplying counterfeit cigarettes and has been sentenced to three months in prison.

Soran Hama Salah Kolini pleaded guilty to charges in relation to concealing criminal property, namely £11,665, and the possession of 1,390 packets of illegal cigarettes.

1,390 packets of illegal cigarettes (Stoke-on-Trent Council).

These were seized as part of a connected multi-agency operation, from a van parked on his drive at his home address in Hanley.

Kolini has been ordered to complete 12 months of community order and 100 hours of unpaid work.

Councillor Carl Edwards, Cabinet Member for Housing and Environment, said: "This is an offence that we take very seriously and we will always take action against anyone found to be involved in the storage, distribution or supply of illegal tobacco.

"The message is clear - you will face consequences if you deal in these illegal products."

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