gorilla smokes cigarette An illustration of a smoking a cigar Gorilla Smoking Cigar

In interview, Amin initially tried to blame other people but eventually admitted that he had purchased the haul for 90,000, the court was told, and could have sold it for more than 260,000

The biggest concern is cheap tobacco keeping smoking within reach Illegal tobacco is often sold at prices that make smoking cheaper and easier to keep up

Campbell pleaded guilty to three offences contrary to the Trade Marks Act 1994 for possessing counterfeit cigarettes in the course of business with a view to selling them and a further offence contrary to the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 for possessing for supply tobacco products without the required health warnings

Trading Standards officers were joined by representatives from West Midlands Police during the operation

The cigarettes hidden in the lorry and a few of the sacks of potatoes that were hiding them.(Image: Douane Franaise/French Customs) French Customs officials inspecting the lorry.(Image: Douane Franaise/French Customs) The merchandise, intended for illegal distribution networks, will be destroyed by customs officials