A Stoke-on-Trent man has been given a suspended prison sentence after being caught with over £100,000 of illegal tobacco.

Talib Mustafa pleaded guilty on May 10 2024 at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court to five counts under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. 

The charges were linked to the possession of illegal cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco, from his home, and also being involved in the supply of illegal tobacco from Victoria Shop at 101 Church Street, Stoke where he was paying the rent. 

Staffordshire Police officers searched the loft and garage at his house on 31 May 2020. 

Police found 8,726 packets of illegal cigarettes and 1,254 packs of illegal tobacco (Stoke-on-Trent City Council).

They discovered 8,726 packets of illegal cigarettes and 1,254 (50g) packs of illegal hand-rolling tobacco with a combined retail value of £108,251.50. Officers searched the shop to which he was linked and seized 362 packets of illegal cigarettes with a retail value of £3710.50. 

He appeared at Stoke Crown Court on August 1 2024 for sentencing. 

Mustafa was given five jail sentences ranging from one month to six months for each of the counts, all suspended for six months and to run concurrently.

Illegal products were also found at Mustafa's shop on Church Street (Google).

The cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco were ordered to be destroyed and the £1,685 was confiscated. 

Councillor Amjid Wazir, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for city pride, enforcement and sustainability, said: "This is another successful prosecution by our trading standards team who work hard to keep consumers in the city safe. It is also a great example of our partnership working with Staffordshire Police."

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