Jabbar Sattar (63), was sentenced by the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for smuggling cigarettes into the UK using a specially adapted coat. He was arrested at Stansted Airport on his arrival from Marrakesh, Morocco, on 16th April 2015.
Officers from Border Force had discovered 6,400 Marlboro Gold cigarettes in his luggage and another 800 cigarettes hidden inside his coat.
Assistant Director Criminal Investigation, Paul Barton said, “Sattar thought he was clever- that by designing a concealed pocket in his clothing he could avoid being caught. He ignored previous official warnings, believing his actions as a serial tobacco smuggler would have no serious impact. He was wrong and will now have to deal with the consequences of his criminal activity. We work closely with our colleagues at Border Force to disrupt and detect smugglers and will always look to take action that fits the crime.”
Jabbar Sattar was previously stopped on three occasions; He was stopped at Gatwick Airport, on 13th January 2015, with 4,200 cigarettes; at Luton Airport, on 5th December, with 9,000 cigarettes; and again at Gatwick Airport, on 17th December 2011, with 5,600 cigarettes.
All the cigarettes have been seized and Sattar has been charged with four offences.
