A GRIMSBY man has admitted possessing 4,620 illegal cigarettes.

Peter John Drewitt, 46, of Cambridge Road, appeared before Grimsby magistrates following an investigation by North East Lincolnshire Council's Trading Standards team.

A subsequent raid on Drewitt's home by Humberside Police and the council uncovered 4,620 Jin Ling cigarettes, which he said were for selling to family and friends. The defendant was also found in possession of £3,000 in cash, which was seized by Humberside Police.

Jin Ling cigarettes, made in Russia, cannot be legally sold in the UK – so anyone selling them is breaking the law. Smuggled cigarettes of this nature can be easily spotted as they do not carry the required health messages or "UK Duty Paid" markings on the packaging, or the messages appear but not in English.

In court, Drewitt pleaded guilty to a charge under the Fraud Act 2006, of possessing the cigarettes for use in fraudulent activity. He was conditionally discharged for 12 months and ordered to pay £100 in costs.

In his defence, Drewitt claimed the cash was being saved up for a family holiday. Councillor Mick Burnett, deputy leader of North East Lincolnshire Council and portfolio holder for health, wellbeing, tourism and culture, said: "The council works with the police and other agencies to uncover trade in illegal cigarettes, and those who are caught will be prosecuted.

"Some people may be tempted to buy illicit tobacco because it's cheaper. Most of these cigarettes are, however, made overseas in premises where hygiene and the quality of materials used may be poor and where there are no requirements to limit tar and other constituents.

"If you know of someone who is selling illegal tobacco, I'd advise that you report them to the authorities."

The court case came as Trading Standards officers revealed that out of more than 1,350 discarded cigarette packets they collected from 13 of 15 wards in North East Lincolnshire, one in seven was illicit.

A 24-year-old smoker from Cleethorpes, who did not wish to be named, said: "I admit that I smoke dodgy cigarettes, because most of the time I can't afford the real deal.

"I earn just above the minimum wage, and have rent and bills to pay, as well as a partner to think about.

"I buy my cigarettes from a friend, who gets them from someone he used to go to the pub with.

"I'm aware that smoking is bad for me, but I'm addicted and quite like it. I have been smoking for at least ten years now, but in the last few, it has really become unaffordable through the usual means. It's more than £6 a packet, and that's simply out of my league.

"I know that the cheaper cigarettes I buy are probably even worse for my health than legal ones, but the temptation to have extra pounds in my pocket to spend on other things is too strong."

Residents in North East Lincolnshire can report people who they suspect of selling cheap, illegal cigarettes to trading standards on 01472 324807 or they can text the word CIGS to 82055. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. All calls are treated in confidence.