A shop owner has been ordered to pay costs and fines totalling £1095 after she was found guilty of selling illegal cigarettes.

Cerasella Pituru, owner of JB Food and Wine in Broad Street, Dagenham, appeared in Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

She was found to have breached Tobacco Product Regulations after an inspection.

The 42-year-old was caught with the illicit haul of 3,600 cigarettes which were hidden in a box under the counter.

Officers said the packs of Marlboro, Vogue and Kent had non-English safety warnings.

Cllr Laila Butt, cabinet member for enforcement and community safety, said: “Selling cigarettes without any health warning on them is high irresponsible.

“Clamping down on this illicit trade is part of our drive to protect genuine traders and consumers.”

Pituru was fined £325 and had to pay court costs of £750 plus a £15 victim surcharge.