A man from Chester has been prosecuted for illegal tobacco and cigarette offences, following an investigation by trading standards officers.

Kamalamuthu Arulprasandh was sentenced at Chester Magistrates Court on Wednesday 18 June 2025.

The 35-year-old of Cherry Road, Chester, was charged with two offences relating to the possession of 105 illegal cigarettes in November 2023.

Disposable vapes were seized by trading standards officers from his premises, AK Food and Wine in Chester.

They contained 10ml of nicotine liquid, well in excess of the legal limit of 2ml.

He received total fines of £933 consisting of a £345 fine, £138 victim surcharge and £450 costs.

These prosecutions are two of the five prosecutions the council brought to court last week. Other cases were for fraud and fly-tipping offences.

Councillor Stuart Bingham said: "Illegal tobacco supports other criminal activity and has many damaging effects on our local communities, as well as increased health risks. 

"People may be tempted by the cheap price tag, but it's worth considering the great cost to your health, safety and community."

The council and its partner Brio Leisure have a stop smoking service for anyone in the borough who needs support. 

The 'Go Smokefree' service allows residents to self-refer for support to quit smoking, giving them access to 12 weeks of free Nicotine Replacement Therapy and unlimited behavioural support for as long as they feel they need.

One-to-one support is available in one of 18 venues across the borough.

Additionally, residents can be supported via telephone, text, or via Brio's Facebook page. For more information and support visit here, email at [email protected] or call on 0300 777 0033.

All goods seized were non-compliant with the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations Act 2016.