Walsall man sentenced after major illegal tobacco operation uncovered
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A prominent figure in the illegal tobacco trade across Walsall and the wider region has been sentenced following a complex investigation led by Walsall Council’s Trading Standards.
Shvan Kocher, of Lodge Road, Darlaston, appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Thursday 7 November. He was found guilty of multiple offences relating to the sale and possession of counterfeit and smuggled tobacco and vapes.
Kocher was sentenced to 21 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years. He will now serve 200 hours of unpaid work and is required to complete 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days.
In June 2023, Trading Standards officers executed a search warrant at Kocher’s home, uncovering a large quantity of illegal cigarettes, hand-rolling tobacco, disposable vapes and £33,000 in cash. These were hidden under a bed in a bin bag.
A simultaneous search at a shop linked to Kocher revealed further concealed stashes of illicit goods. Officers discovered:
- 176,000 cigarettes
- Almost 100kg of hand-rolling tobacco
- 782 disposable vapes
- A further 48,000 cigarettes, 5.7kg of tobacco, and 472 vapes at the shop
Some of the seized tobacco products were genuine brands intended for overseas markets, while others were counterfeit or so-called “cheap whites”, products manufactured specifically for smuggling and sale at low prices.
If sold at full retail value, the total haul would be worth around £250,000 in cigarettes and tobacco, and £12,000 in vapes.
The court also heard that over £3.5 million had passed through Kocher’s bank accounts, raising concerns about the origin of his funds. Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) confiscation hearings will be held at a later date.
“ This was a significant and organised operation that showed complete disregard for the law, public health and legitimate local businesses.
“Our Trading Standards team has worked tirelessly to uncover and dismantle this illegal activity, protecting both residents and honest traders across Walsall.
“We will continue to take strong action against anyone involved in the sale or supply of counterfeit or unsafe products. “
All tobacco products sold in the UK must comply with strict regulations designed to protect consumers and ensure products can be traced. Counterfeit and smuggled tobacco not only undermines legitimate trade but also poses serious health and fire safety risks.
ENDS
