Illicit tobacco: 27 offences and still allowed to work in retail

A corrupt retailer has been allowed to continue working in a store – despite committing 27 offences of
Staff forced to sell illicit tobacco
18 failed test purchases in 12 months
£7.6k of illegal goods found

Retail Express was in Cheltenham Magistrates’ court to hear the case of Kaiwan Poore as it was revealed that he ignored repeated warnings by trading standards and forced his staff to carry and sell illicit goods.
When trading standards finally caught up with the dodgy retailer, they discovered that he stocked almost no legitimate tobacco on the gantry, and seized 555 packs of cigarettes and 10.5kg of handrolling tobacco – worth a total of £7,600.
Kaiwan Poore – before the retailer convicted for 27 offences of selling illicit tobcco
Despite the damage his crimes have had on fellow retailers’ livelihoods – as well as the community he is supposed to serve – Poore received just 120 hours of community service
and a £5,400 fine.
Alexander West, prosecuting, said: “We must deter others in the community from following his path. Legitimate traders are missing out and it is a matter of great importance to the local trading community.”
Tobacco found in the car boot near to the store
The magistrate condemned Poore’s behaviour by highlighting his disregard for the community he serves.
“You were selling to vulnerable people on low incomes and children,” she said. “Above all, you were warned by trading standards but still dealt counterfeit products.”

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