Business closed after more than 400 packets of illicit tobacco seized
A COUNTY Durham business has been closed after searches found more than 400 packets of illegal
cigarettes, which the owner claimed had been given to him by a stranger.
Search warrants were executed by Durham County Council at the business known as Newgate
Market on Newgate Street in Bishop Auckland as well as an associated vehicle. A total of 435 packets
of illicit cigarettes were found in the vehicle and seized, along with 86 pouches of hand rolling
tobacco. The premises has been told to close for three months following a successful application
made by the council at Peterlee Magistrates Court. The business owner, Mohammed Osman Ahmed,
contested the order.
Owen Cleugh, Durham County Council’s acting head of community protection services, said:
“Supplying and selling illicit tobacco is an offence and we will not tolerate it. These products can be
dangerous to residents and often do not contain the required health warnings. Not only are they a
health risk, but they also attract and encourage crime within our communities. This business was in
possession of a large quantity of illicit tobacco that could have had severe impact on Bishop
Auckland and surrounding areas.
“We hope this closure order demonstrates how seriously we take these offences and serves as a
warning that we will take action whenever we can to stop this illegal activity. Any members of the
public with any information on the suspected sale of illegal items are encouraged to report it by
calling the illegal tobacco hotline Keep it Out on 0300 999 0000.
“For residents seeking to quit smoking, support can be provided from Smokefree County Durham
on 0800 772 0565 or by visiting www.smokefreecountydurham.co.uk .”
Ahmed, aged 30 of Brunswick Street, Wakefield, claimed in court that he was approached by a
man who gave him the cigarettes and then put them in the defendant’s car. He argued that his
business was legitimate and finished by saying he was sorry for doing anything wrong.
During proceedings £1,384 in costs were awarded by the court against the defendant. The
business is one of three to be hit by a closure order recently as the Community Protection Service
continues to tackle the supply of illicit tobacco products within the county.
Azii Mini Market at Prospects Buildings in Horden was also closed for three months after searches
found illegal tobacco on the premises and in vehicles linked to the building. Meanwhile, Vapes &
Beyond on Seaside Lane in Easington was closed for three months after searches found illegal
tobacco on the premises and in two associated properties.
Lord Michael Bichard, chair of National Trading Standards, said: “The illicit tobacco trade is driven
by organised criminal gangs and poses serious risks to local communities, especially young people.
“Since its launch in January 2021, Operation CeCe – a National Trading Standards initiative in
partnership with HMRC – has removed 69 million illegal cigarettes, 19,750kg of hand-rolling tobacco
and almost 175kg of shisha products from sale, helping to clamp down on this illicit trade and
protect communities and honest businesses across the UK, with help from Durham County Council.”
