An Oakdale man has been prosecuted for counterfeit tobacco offences, following a Caerphilly Trading Standards investigation.
Carl Kilby, 47, of Penmaen Avenue, Oakdale, was taken to court following an investigation by Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Trading Standards which revealed he was supplying counterfeit tobacco and cigarettes.
A warrant was executed in March this year at Kilby’s home address in Oakdale, with assistance from Gwent Police and a specialist tobacco detection dog.
Six 50g Amber Leaf tobacco pouches, together with 1,798 Regal King Size cigarettes and 180 Richmond cigarettes were found at first.
A further 41 hidden pouches of Golden Virginia tobacco were found by the tobacco detection dog.
The Amber Leaf, Golden Virginia and Regal King Size products were found to be fake, and all the tobacco products failed to carry the correct health warnings required by law.
Kilby appeared at Newport Magistrates Court on June 20, charged with offences contrary to the Trade Marks Act 1984 for supplying/possession for supply of counterfeit goods, and the Tobacco Products (Manufacture, Presentation and Sale) (Safety) Regulations 2002 for supplying/possession for supply of tobacco products which fail to carry appropriate health warnings.
He pleaded guilty to the offences and was given a prison sentence of four months, suspended for 12 months.
In addition, Kilby was ordered to undertake 100 hours of unpaid work in the community, and to pay £320 costs and a £80 victim surcharge.
The tobacco items seized were also subject to forfeiture.
Blackwood Neighbourhood Sergeant, Andy Massaro said: “Counterfeit crime has a significant impact within our communities and we will continue to work with our partners to identify and bring offenders to justice.”