TWO businessmen men who were behind the sale of thousands of black market cigarettes and tobacco in shops in Colchester and Ipswich have been given jail sentences totalling more than four years.

Sentencing Amir Sarawan and Semko Mohamed, Judge Emma Peters said they had been in control of the operation which involved the fraudulent evasion of £146,000 of excise duty on cigarettes and tobacco brought into the UK illegally.

Jailing Sarawan for 28 months and Mohamed for 25 months, she said said it was necessary to pass deterrent sentences as law abiding businesses suffered as a result of being undercut by shops selling illicit cigarettes and tobacco.

Mohamed, 50, of Wicklow Road, Ipswich and Sarawan, 47, of Norwich Road, Ipswich, admitted being knowingly involved with tobacco products on which duty hadn’t been paid.

Sarawan also admitted possessing criminal property namely £16,600.

Farang Yasin, 50, of Selwyn Close, Ipswich and Jasim Omar, 42, of Moy Road, Colchester, also admitted being knowingly involved with tobacco products on which duty had not been paid.

Yasin, who also admitted possessing criminal property, namely £9,900, was given a ten month sentence suspended for 18 months and Omar, who had a shop in The Hythe, Colchester, was given an eight month prison sentence suspended for 18 months.

Devon Small, for Sarawan, said he took full responsibility for his involvement in the offences and did not blame any of the other defendants.

Caroline Abraham, for Semko, said hewas remorseful. She said he was now working as a van driver for a poultry factory and was the sole provider for his family.

Philip Farr, for Yasin, said his client became involved in the conspiracy through naivety and the chance to earn some quick extra money.

Mr Farr said he was involved in the evasion of around £29,000 duty.

Arlette Piercy, for Omar, said he came to the UK seeking asylum 21 years ago and was ashamed at coming before the court after being given sanctuary in this country. Miss Piercy said he accepted being involved in a loss in revenue of no more than £30,000.