A DISCOUNT store boss has been prosecuted after officers and a sniffer dog discovered illegal cigarettes and tobacco during a raid.

More than 4,500 counterfeit or illegal cigarettes were found at Radcliffe-based R Stores Limited and an adjacent flat after a member of the public gave Bury Trading Standards a tip-off.

Zafar Iqbal Rehman, aged 44, who is director at the store in Church Street, was prosecuted for possessing and selling counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco following an investigation.

Officers and a tobacco detection dog from Wagtail UK Ltd uncovered 4,580 counterfeit or illegal branded cigarettes including Mayfair, Richmond Paradox and Gold Mount. They also found 3.2kg of Golden Virginia, Amber Leaf and Eastenders tobacco.

Rehman pleaded guilty to eight charges against him as a company director, and to eight charges for the limited company itself, when he appeared before Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on Thursday, April 19, 2018.

Angela Lomax, head of Bury’s trading standards and licensing, said: "The sale and supply of illicit tobacco is a serious offence and trading standards will take prosecutions and continue to put a stop to illegal tobacco being supplied and sold in Bury.

"We regularly act on intelligence received from residents and genuine traders and we believe that people are beginning to understand that this activity is damaging to their communities.

"If anyone has concerns about people or businesses selling illicit goods, please report the matter on 03454 040 506."

ZR Stores Ltd was fined £750 plus a victim surcharge of £75, while Rehman was sentenced to a 12-month community order of 160 hours' unpaid work, plus a victim surcharge of £85.

Of the prosecution costs, a total of £475 was awarded to Bury Council.