Man in court over illegal cigarettes

A total of 4,620 Russian-made Jin Ling cigarettes, which cannot be sold in the UK, were discovered in a raid on the home of Peter Drewitt, 46, along with £3,000 cash, which was seized by police.

Drewitt, of Cambridge Road, Grimsby, claimed he was saving the cash for a family holiday, but he admitted fraud when he appeared before magistrates in the town.

Imported rolling tobacco was also found at his home, but Drewitt was not charged over this after he claimed it was a gift for his disabled son.

Coun Mick Burnett, North East Lincolnshire Council portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, said: “Some people may be tempted to buy illicit tobacco because it’s cheaper. Most of these cigarettes are, however, made overseas in premises where hygiene and the quality of materials used may be poor and where there are no requirements to limit tar and other constituents. If you know of someone who is selling illegal tobacco, I’d advise that you report them to the authorities.”