Two brothers from Hayes, Sonu and Tajinder, have been sentenced for their involvement in an illicit tobacco operation in the area. The Hillingdon Council took action against them following a trading standards operation.
Sonu, aged 29, and Tajinder, aged 31, both residing on York Avenue, Hayes, pleaded guilty to 18 offences. They were sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on October 28. Sonu received a 12-month community order and was required to complete 600 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £5,039 in costs and a victim surcharge. Tajinder also received a 12-month community order with 140 hours of unpaid work. He was instructed to pay £5,000 in costs and a victim surcharge.
The trading standard officers, as part of Operation CeCe, searched a self-storage unit on Nestles Avenue in March 2021. With the assistance of tobacco detection dogs, they discovered illegal tobacco worth £126,000. This included over 225,000 cigarettes and 54kg of rolling tobacco.
Both brothers were subject to confiscation orders under the Proceeds of Crime Act to reclaim the profits generated from their unlawful activities. Tajinder was required to repay £1,605.95 in January, while Sonu was instructed to repay £125,000 in September.
Councillor Eddie Lavery, the Cabinet Member for Community and Environment, highlighted the significance of tackling such illegal activities. He emphasised that the seized products were smuggled into the UK without tax payment, depriving essential services of much-needed funds. Moreover, counterfeit goods present serious health hazards.
If you suspect a business of selling illegal products, you can report them by emailing tradingstandards@hillingdon.gov.uk. It is crucial to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to uphold the law and protect the community.
