Newcastle Man Fined £657 After Dumping Tobacco-Filled Car in County Durham
Vehicle Abandoned with £2,700 of Illegal Tobacco
A Newcastle man has been slapped with fines after dumping a car stuffed with illegal tobacco in Clavering Place, Annfield Plain. Durham County Council Trading Standards launched an investigation after the vehicle was left unattended, uncovering around £2,700 worth of illicit tobacco products inside.
Enforcement Orders Ignored, Prosecution Follows
The registered keeper, Ali Mohammed of Beech Grove Road, Newcastle, initially received a 7-Day Notice and a Fixed Penalty Notice for abandoning the vehicle. But Mohammed ignored the penalty payments, forcing Trading Standards to take the matter to court. He was convicted in his absence.
Over £650 in Fines and Costs Imposed
Court orders now require Mohammed to cough up £657.40 in fines and legal fees. Durham County Council shared images of the seized vehicle on social media, urging locals to stay vigilant and report any suspicious vehicles or illegal trading activity immediately.
Council Urges Public to Report Suspicious Activity
“We take all incidents of illegal tobacco supply and vehicle abandonment seriously. Residents are encouraged to report any concerns,” a Durham County Council spokesperson said.
To report suspicious activity:
- Call: 03000 260 000
- Visit: Durham County Council
