An illegal cigarette trade which was causing a nuisance for passersby has been stubbed out, following a crackdown by Haringey Council.
Nish Shawkat of Northwold Road, Stoke Newington, was forced to fork out £1,561 when he was found guilty in his absence at Tottenham Magistrates Court of trading without a licence.
Shakwat was one of four suspected illegal traders arrested during a series of crackdowns outside Seven Sisters Tube Station, which saw more than 150 packets of cigarettes and tobacco seized.
The council was acting on several complaints it had received about the traders causing a nuisance to passersby.
Haringey Council Cabinet Member for Environment Cllr Stuart McNamara said: “People in our borough have a right to pass through Tube stations and high streets without being pestered by people trying to sell them products, particularly when they have no idea about they came from or the quality of what they buying.
“I hope this latest conviction sends the strong message that any illegal traders who think they can make a quick buck in our borough are not welcome here!”
Shazwat was fined £410 for the street trading offence and £410 for two offences (£205 each) relating to missing warnings on the cigarettes. He was ordered to pay the prosecution’s full costs of £550, the court charge of £150 and the victim surcharge of £41. A collection order was made in his absence.
