A SHOP owner has been fined for selling smuggled cigarettes at an off licence.

Dilzar Kadir Ahmad, 35, of Blenheim Avenue, Barnsley, pleaded guilty to seven charges under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 and Standardised Packaging of Tobacco Products Regulations 2015 after a large quantity of smuggled cigarettes were found in his shop.

Officers from Barnsley Council's Regulatory Services visited the 7 Day store on Peel Street Arcade and found the cigarettes and tobacco hidden in a concealed device beneath the floor of one of the storerooms.

The products had a street value of approximately £5,000 and were forefitted for destruction.

In court on Monday, Ahmad pleaded guilty and was handed an 18-week suspended prison sentence and was also fined £2,000 which must be paid at the rate of £500 per month.

Coun Jim Andrews, cabinet spokesperson for public health, said: “The sale of smuggled cigarettes is a crime affecting legitimate businesses, risks fires from less safe cigarette brands, and damages the health of our residents and children in Barnsley. Legal cigarettes are a drab grey/brown colour.

“If you know someone is selling cigarettes in other colours or with foreign writing or without warning pictures, please tell the council so we can stamp out these illegal and dangerous goods.”