Two traders in Brent have received hefty fines for selling illegal cigarettes and tobacco.

Munir Hussain, of Corringham Road, Wembley pleaded guilty to possessing cigarettes and other tobacco products without displaying the correct health warnings or complying with the standard packaging requirements.

The 60-year-old also possessed counterfeit packets of cigarettes.

He was ordered to pay £2,901 in fines and costs at Willesden Magistrates Court on November 13.

Brent Council officers also discovered that his company, Fine Food Trade Ltd in Park Parade, Harlesden. had been dissolved in June 2016 and was fined for not updating the business ownership details and failing to comply with the Companies Act 2006.

In a separate case, Willesden-based Mukhtar Ahmed, 54, and his company, Millennium Sun Ltd, were fined £3,936 in fines and costs at the same court on November 20.

Mr Ahmed, who was previously convicted for the selling illegal tobacco in 2015, pleaded guilty to all five charges against himself and his company.

Cllr Tom Miller, Brent Council cabinet member for stronger communities, said:

“Selling illegal tobacco products isn’t just irresponsible, but it could also be dangerous.

“We want good, honest traders here in Brent and will not tolerate the growing number who are stocking illegal cigarettes, trying to avoid paying duty so they can make a quick buck.

“Our Trading Standards officers are working hard to ensure all business fully comply with the law, trade fairly and to keep illicit tobacco products out of our high street shops.

“We will keep cracking down on businesses and individuals found to be ignoring the law, as we continue to work towards a safer and healthier borough.”