Carharrack man supplied illegal tobacco
12:00pm Tuesday 29th May 2012 in News
A Carharrack timber yard owner has pleaded guilty to the supply of illegal non-duty paid tobacco.
Stephen Pengelly of Hay Barn, United Road Carharrack, Redruth appeared at Truro Magistrates Court on Friday 25 May 2012.
The case, which was brought by Cornwall Council Trading Standards, followed a series of test purchases and a seizure of cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco taken from Mr Pengelly’s Timber yard business address in January this year.
At Court, Stephen Pengelly was given a two year suspended sentence with £150 costs awarded against him and a forfeiture order for all the goods seized.
Elizabeth Kirk, senior trading standards officer said: “Illegal tobacco is linked to both low level and large scale Crime within Cornwall. Nationally Figures obtained from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) put the cost to the tax payer of illegal tobacco at £2bn/year.
"Illegal tobacco is cheap, and easily available, thus making it easier for children to smoke. Cornwall trading Standards are committed to tackling the problems caused by illegal tobacco and will not hesitate to take enforcement action against those found to be dealing in it.”
If you have any information about the supply of illegal tobacco in your community you can report it to Crimestoppers, anonymously if you want to, on 0800 555 111 or directly to Cornwall Council Trading Standards, via the CAB help line on 0845 4040506.
