A SHOPKEEPER caught selling illegal cigarettes to a child fled abroad to evade capture.
West Yorkshire Trading Standards set up a sting to snare the Dewsbury retailer following a complaint that he was selling illicit tobacco to children.
They sent in a youngster to ask for "cheap cigs."
He was sold 200 Polish Marlboro Light cigarettes, which would normally retail for £55 to £60, for £35.
Trading standards officials then searched the premises and seized 700 illicit cigarettes. They included foreign brands and so called ‘cheap whites' – cigarettes which are made to be smuggled.
The seller was interviewed but then fled the country before further action could be taken. The owner of the business is also believed to have moved abroad. The shop is now being run by a new tenant.
Graham Hebblethwaite, West Yorkshire’s chief trading standards officer, said: "It is disappointing that in this case the seller and the owner of the business have evaded justice by skipping overseas.
"I would warn anyone selling either cheap illicit tobacco generally or cigarettes to children that Trading Standards will look to take robust action."
To report shops selling cigarettes or tobacco to children call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.
