An off-licence in Eltham is facing fines and costs of £32,556 for selling counterfeit cigarettes.
Rugelis on Well Hall Road, SE9 6SX has been fined after test purchasers were able to buy the illegal cigarettes on multiple occasions over three years. These were illegal due to not being in plain packaging and not having the correct health warnings in English. Another batch of cigarettes were confirmed as counterfeit by their trademark holder British American Tobacco.
Cllr Rachel Taggart-Ryan, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement said: “This is another great result for the council, highlighting our zero-tolerance approach to the sale of counterfeit products. These products had the potential to damage customer’s health and it’s unacceptable that they were for sale.
“Mr Bagdonas not only received a hefty fine, but will also need to take part in activities to make him aware of the consequences of his actions, ensuring he won’t re-offend.”
On another occasion, Trading Standards Officers and a police detection dog found and seized 344 packets of illegal cigarettes and 317 prescription only medicines hidden in a filing cabinet in the back office.
When interviewed, the business owner Mr Mantas Bagdonas, said the cigarettes found were for his and his staff’s own personal use and were not for sale. He also claimed that he was not aware of the legal implications of having these goods on his premises.
He later pled guilty and apologised, receiving a 12 month community order including a 15 day rehabilitation activity requirement – meaning he will need to meet with probation and take part in activities to make him aware of his offending. Mr Bagdonas also received costs and fines of £17,778, the business received additional costs and fines of £14,778, making the total £32,556.
Anyone with information about the sale of illegal tobacco or vape products can report it to the council by calling 020 8921 8157 or emailing tradingstandards@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.
If you want to provide this information anonymously visit the London Trading Standards website.