A shop director and his company have been ordered to pay more than £11,700.
Bogdan Vasile Bota, director of Maramureseanul Ltd, pleaded guilty to offences involving illicit tobacco, alcohol and unauthorised medicines at two stores in Barking and Dagenham.
Barking and Dagenham Council’s trading standards team found 1,500 tobacco sticks, 166 bottles of alcohol and 85 unauthorised medicines during an inspection at 608 Longbridge Road on May 28, 2024.
A further 4,340 tobacco sticks were found at 448 Becontree Avenue on July 25, 2024, with 21 more bottles of illicit alcohol seized during a follow-up visit on August 15, 2024.
Cllr Syed Ghani, cabinet member for enforcement and community safety, said: "The sale of illicit tobacco, alcohol and unauthorised medicines is a serious offence that puts consumers at risk and creates unfair competition for legitimate businesses. This prosecution demonstrates that we will take robust action against those who choose to break the law.
"Our trading standards team will continue to investigate reports, remove illegal products from sale and help keep residents safe."
Mr Bota was fined £1,540, while Maramureseanul Ltd was fined £3,284. The court also ordered a victim surcharge of £1,929 and prosecution costs of £5,000.
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