First for Lincolnshire - man jailed after possessing and selling illicit tobacco

Remigijus Dinkevicius, 46, from Haven Meadow, was given a 16 week sentence at Lincoln Crown Court last week.

It follows a raid by Lincolnshire Trading Standards and Lincolnshire Police earlier in the year.

Mr Dinkevicius was charged with nine counts of fraud, one count of possessing dangerous goods for supply and 10 counts of possessing tobacco products which omitted statutory health warnings.

Andy Wright, principal trading standards officer at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “This is a significant result for us, as this is the first time time that someone has been sent to jail for selling illicit cigarettes in Lincolnshire.

“This should send out a very strong warning to those people who think its OK to make a quick buck by selling illicit cigarettes from their homes – we will prosecute you and you may go to Prison.”

The court was told that on January 29 Dinkevicius had possession of approximately 2,000 packets of branded cigarettes with no health warning labels, 200 pouches of branded hand rolling tobacco, also with no health warning labels, and was intending to supply them.

Officers also seized a total of £3,722 in cash thought to be the proceeds from sale of illicit tobacco.

In interviews after the raids, Dinkevicius gave no explanation for his illegal activity.

Mr Wright added: “We are determined to put a stop to illegal tobacco being supplied and sold here in Lincolnshire, so we regularly act on intelligence received from local residents. We would encourage anyone who sees illegal fags being sold in Lincolnshire to report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”