A HOLE was dug into the floor of a shop to hide illegal cigarettes and tobacco.

Almost 5,000 cigs and 800g of hand rolled tobacco was seized from the International Mini Market on Orford Lane, Warrington, in July.

When police, trading standards officers and detection dogs returned in November, another 2420 cigarettes and 650g hand rolling tobacco was found and seized.

Ismaiel Fatah Ismaiel, aged 34, of Rossall Crescent, Leigh, was working in the shop at the time and was witnessed making a sale of 200 illegal PECT branded cigarettes to a member of the public.

Ismaiel was fined £300, ordered to pay £750 in costs, and a victim surcharge of £30, a total of £1,080 at Warrington Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

Pete Astley, assistant director for regulation and public protection at the council, said: “We were able to catch and prosecute this seller after information was received about the sale of illegal tobacco at these premises.

"It is absolutely crucial that people report any suspicions about the sale of such goods so we can stamp out this trade. "Through excellent partnership working with Cheshire Police we are identifying more and more of these individuals so no one selling illicit tobacco can ever feel safe from detection.

“All tobacco is harmful, but illicit cigarettes seriously undermine our drive to reduce smoking, fuel organised criminality and are often a gateway for our young people to be addicted to the habit which prematurely kills over half its users.”

If you have any information about the sale of illegal tobacco, you can report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.