Knives and illegal cigarettes found in shop raids

Throwing knives and thousands of counterfeit cigarettes have been found during raids on two off-licences, according to a report from Trading Standards.

The Bradford shops were visited by undercover test purchasers on 2 April, which were followed by raids on 8 April.

At the Sunbridge Road store officers found illegal tobacco behind a false wall in a toilets. They also discovered two boxes of throwing knives as well as a further two knives below the counter.

On Wednesday, the council is due to review the Lynxes stores on Sunbridge Road and Kirkgate, which are both licensed by Mohammed Jamal, and they could be stripped of their alcohol licences.

Jamal said he was not in the country at the time of the raids and did not authorise the sale of contraband cigarettes.

In a statement, Trading Standards told Bradford Council's Licensing Panel they also found non-duty paid goods bearing foreign excise stamps.

"The extent of concealment within the premises, combined with the quantity and nature of the products seized, demonstrates planning, knowledge, and deliberate intent to evade detection," it said.

"To permit this premises to continue operating under a premises licence would present an ongoing risk to the community."

According to Trading Standards, during the raid on the Sunbridge Road store officers found illegal tobacco products, including 445 packets of 20 cigarettes, 29 pouches of 50g hand-rolling tobacco, and 13 packs of shisha tobacco.

At the Kirkgate branch, staff denied there were any illicit tobacco products when asked.

On a search, officers found cigarettes hidden inside gift boxes behind the counter, a suitcase containing cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco and a large handbag containing cigarettes.

A total of 318 packets of 20 cigarettes and 11 pouches of 50g hand-rolling tobacco were seized, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

According to the report a staff member denied their presence and said: "I'm not supposed to say anything, I just work here."

"She gestured towards the CCTV cameras above the counter and appeared cautious about speaking within view of them, suggesting an awareness of wrongdoing and surveillance," it added.

In a statement, Jamal said he left the UK on 17 February and returned on 18 April and he did not authorise unlawful conduct, adding the staff involved no longer worked at the stores.

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