Middlesbrough Man Jailed for Peddling Illicit Cigarettes Across Town
A Middlesbrough man has been slammed behind bars for nearly two years after running a widespread illegal cigarette racket from multiple locations in the town.
Dyary Kadir Sentenced to 22 Months
Dyary Kadir, 51, formerly of Market Place, North Ormesby, was hit with a 22-month prison sentence. Prosecutors revealed he operated an illicit tobacco empire across three premises, including shops and a flat above one of the businesses.
This comes after a thorough Middlesbrough Council Trading Standards investigation uncovered massive stockpiles. In January 2023, officers seized a staggering 15,000 illicit cigarettes and 2.1kg of hand-rolling tobacco from 38 Market Place and a linked address in Berwick Hills.
More Illegal Tobacco Found at Café
Just a month later in February 2023, police found Kadir at 32 Market Place, a café run by Emma Wilkinson, 40, of Berwick Hills Avenue. Here they uncovered a further 1,000 counterfeit cigarettes and 1.1kg of illegal tobacco.
Repeat Offenders Face Tough Justice
Both Kadir and Wilkinson had previous brushes with the law over similar offences at 31 Market Place. They faced charges under the Trade Marks Act, Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, and Standardised Packaging Regulations 2015.
At Teesside Crown Court, Kadir switched his plea from not guilty to guilty, receiving a 22-month custodial sentence and a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) to curb future crimes. Wilkinson, who pleaded guilty from the start, was handed a 12-month suspended sentence for 18 months.
Council Cracks Down on Illegal Tobacco Trade
Judith Hedgley, Middlesbrough Council’s Head of Public Protection, slammed the pair:
“These sentences reflect the severity of harm caused by selling illicit tobacco. The defendants operated fake businesses to exploit the trade for profit, fuelling health inequalities and organised crime.”
Local councillor Janet Thompson added:
“This trade affects the lives of local people and brings crime into our neighbourhoods. These significant sentences should act as a warning.”
