A man caught with toxic counterfeit tobacco has been fined and had his stock forfeited.

Owen McDonagh, 21, of no fixed address in Reading, appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court on Saturday following his arrest on Friday in Regent Street, Swindon.

McDonagh was searched by officers who also searched a nearby vehicle. A large quantity of counterfeit tobacco and Apple Airpods were located – a total of 136 50g pouches of tobacco were seized with an estimated value of approximately £4,000.

McDonagh was arrested and charged with offering/exposing for sale goods bearing a false trademark under the Trade Marks Act 1994. He pleaded guilty and was fined £120, ordered to pay a £48 victim surcharge and £85 costs. The court also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the tobacco.

PC Paul Bezzant said: “Having worked alongside Swindon Trading Standards to tackle counterfeit goods, we know that these types of products contain a mixture of lethal substances and are often well in excess of the toxins found in ordinary tobacco products.

“In addition to the health risks to the local community, this illicit trade also undermines the local business community that are selling legitimate products. 

“If you knowingly buy counterfeit goods, you are helping the offender to break the law and the money spent could also end up funding organised crime.