A Peterborough shop lost its licence after authorities seized 680,000 illegal cigarettes and Viagra. Two men were arrested in connection with the illegal activities.
Peterborough: A shop’s licence was revoked after a big bust. The International Food Centre was searched in November. Officers found 683,400 illegal cigarettes and other tobacco products.
They also discovered a large stash of cash and sildenafil tablets, known as Viagra. This drug requires a prescription, making its presence illegal without proper authorization.
Two men were arrested. One was in his 30s, suspected of tax evasion and money laundering. He was released on bail until February. The other man, in his 40s, was arrested for possession with intent to supply Viagra.
On January 24, the Peterborough City Council met to review the shop’s licence. The licence holder, Marius Maculevics, did not attend the meeting. A report revealed unpaid tobacco duties of around £386,188.
There were also reports of illegal workers and underage sales at the shop. The council believed another man, Saade Jalal Jabar, was actually running the business.
After reviewing the evidence, the council decided to revoke the shop’s licence. They stated that the shop was involved in serious criminal activity, posing a threat to public safety.
The council noted that the shop failed to follow important rules, like having proper CCTV. They felt revoking the licence was the only appropriate action.
Anyone unhappy with the decision can appeal to the Peterborough Magistrates Court within 21 days.
