Illegal Tobacco Bust: £25,000 Worth of Fake Products Seized in Penzance Raid

A man caught with £25,000 worth of counterfeit tobacco has been sentenced after officers raided a property in Penzance.

Raid Uncovers Illegal Tobacco Stash

On 27th October 2023, Devon and Cornwall Police executed a warrant at an address in Eastern Green, Penzance, where Benjamin Rory Griffiths, aged 38, of Lanuthnoe Estate, St Erth, Hayle, was present. During the search, officers discovered 582 pouches (30kg) of hand-rolling tobacco, which was later confirmed to be counterfeit.

Following the raid, the evidence was passed to Cornwall Council’s Trading Standards Team, who worked with brand holders for Golden Virginia and Cutters Choice. They confirmed the seized products were fake. If they had been genuine, the estimated retail value would have been £25,000.

Court Sentence and Warnings Over Counterfeit Tobacco

Griffiths pleaded guilty to possession of counterfeit tobacco under Section 92 of the Trade Marks Act 1994 and a further charge under the Standardised Packaging of Tobacco Products Regulations 2015.

At Truro Crown Court on 21st February 2025, His Honour Judge Simon Carr handed Griffiths a three-month sentence, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete:

• A 26-day programme with the Probation Service
• 10 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days
• A £154 victim surcharge

The court confirmed that all seized items will be destroyed.

Judge Carr warned: “This is often seen as a victimless crime however it is not as there is no way of knowing what is in the products and on occasions counterfeit tobacco has been known to cause serious injury.”

Illegal Tobacco Poses Serious Health Risks

Cornwall Council officials have reiterated the dangers of illegal tobacco, highlighting the impact on public health.

Councillor Martyn Alvey, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, said: “The trade in illegal tobacco seriously harms our efforts to reduce harm from smoking in Cornwall. With counterfeit tobacco, there is even less control over the substances that go into it, increasing the risk to users, who may simply think this is genuinely imported tobacco.”

Councillor Andrew Virr, Portfolio Holder for Public Health, added: “People think they’re saving money buying illicit tobacco but it’s much better for your wallet and your health to kick the habit completely.

“There are around 59,000 smokers in Cornwall and we know most people that do smoke would like to quit.

“Giving up is one of the best things you can do to improve your health, and it will save you a lot of money in the long run.

“Within eight hours of stopping, your oxygen levels return to normal and carbon monoxide levels in the blood are reduced significantly. Within one year, the risk of a heart attack is reduced by half.”

Help to Quit Smoking in Cornwall

For anyone looking to stop smoking, Healthy Cornwall offers free support and advice. Call 01872 324 200 or visit Smokefree Cornwall for more information.