A COVENTRY couple has been sentenced for running an illegal operation involving the sale of tobacco and alcohol on social media.
Police uncovered nearly 45,000 cigarettes, 50 pouches of tobacco and 140 bottles of Polish spirits at the couple’s home on Watersmeet Road, Coventry.
Bartiomiej Karczewski, aged 35, and Paulina Karczewski aged 32, were sentenced for the sale of illegal cigarettes and alcohol on February 15 at Warwick Crown Court.
The couple had previously pleaded guilty on January 18.
Bartiomiej Karczewski was sentenced to six months imprisonment suspended for 12 months, ordered to undertake 150 hours unpaid work and pay costs of £1,000.
Paulina Karczewski was sentenced to a 12 month Community Order, 100 hours unpaid work, and to pay costs of £1,000.
The issue first came to the attention of Coventry City Council’s Trading Standards team when it received a complaint that Karczewski was offering illicit tobacco products and alcohol on Facebook.
A copy of an advert showed the tobacco did not comply with the appropriate labelling requirements, and was therefore believed to be non-duty paid.
Investigations led officers to another posting on Facebook, this time relating to alcohol and cigarettes and another offering Polish beer for sale.
A warrant was then executed, finding the mammoth haul of booze and tobacco – including multiple brands, some of which were counterfeit.
In sentencing Judge Cooke was of the view that both were involved in running a business selling tobacco and alcohol but Bartiomiiej Karczewski took the leading role.
Chair of the Licensing and Regulatory Committee Councillor Christine Thomas said: “I hope this case acts as a deterrent to those thinking of selling illicit products on social media platforms.
“The quantities involved showed a commercial operation and the multiple brands further indicated that they were not for private use.
“Where Trading Standards become aware of illicit products being sold they will investigate and act as appropriate.”
To report the selling of illegal tobacco and alcohol, please call trading standards on 03454 040 506 or e-mail: [email protected]
