A SHOPKEEPER has admitted selling counterfeit tobacco in Stroud.

Amratlal Fatania, who runs World Foods in Russell Street, Stroud, was investigated by officers from Gloucestershire County Council's Trading Standards team.

He pleaded guilty to eight charges of possessing incorrectly labelled and counterfeit tobacco products at Stroud Magistrates’ Court on Monday last week.

A total of 66 packs of 20 Regal cigarettes, four packs of 20 Marlboro cigarettes and 47 pouches of 50g Golden Virginia hand rolling tobacco, with a value of £703, were seized from Fatania’s shop.

He served a prison sentence in 2013 for similar offences.

The court ordered that the seized tobacco should be destroyed.

Fatania will appear at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court next Wednesday for sentencing .

Councillor Will Windsor-Clive, cabinet member for fire, planning and infrastructure at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Despite being seen as a victimless crime by some, the trade in illegal tobacco is something that we should all be concerned about.

“Because illegal cigarettes are far cheaper – up to half the price of legal ones – they make it easier for children to take up the habit, encourage people to smoke more, and make it harder for smokers to quit."

“Premises selling illegal tobacco also take trade away from legitimate businesses and undermine our local economy.”

If residents have any concerns about tobacco products being sold they can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06, or use the "report a rogue" link on the consumers page of the trading standards website www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/glos.

The investigation also led to charges being brought against a trader from Gloucester.

Hiwa Kaka, owner of Eastgate Off-Licence, pleaded guilty to 17 charges of selling and possessing for sale incorrectly labelled and non duty paid tobacco products.

Trading Standards purchased illegal tobacco on 14 separate occasions between August 2014 and November 2014 from Kaka’s shop, and again in December 2014. Illegal tobacco was also seized from a vehicle parked at the rear of the premises. Kaka was ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £2,990, and has subsequently sold the business.