CARPET worker Colin Angell, who sold cut-price duty-frees to his workmates, was sent to prison for four months by Kidderminster magistrates this week.
He was also ordered to pay compensation of £7,694 to the Customs and Excise.
Angell, 54, of Oldnall Road, Kidderminster, admitted evasion of duty on cigarettes, cigars, rolling tobacco and drink.
He was arrested after a search of his home and garage in February, Customs prosecutor William Baker told the court.
He admitted evading duty of more than £8,200 by buying duty-free goods other people had brought in from abroad and selling some of them at Victoria Carpets in Kidderminster.
Charles Hobbs, for Angell, said he was not a tobacco baron figure but a small-time dealer who did little more than fund his own heavy smoking habit.
He had no previous conviction for dishonesty and had been convicted on information he had volunteered to the Customs officers.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article