AN asthmatic man was nabbed by customs trying to bring more than 16,000 cigarettes and tobacco into the country from Spain.

The haul was confiscated by customs, who suspected the man of planning to sell them on.

Anthony Forbister, representing Customs and Excise, told Solihull magistrates that Andrew Wilson, of Lanehouse, Trawden, had the 16,400 cigarettes and tobacco seized at Birmingham Airport.

He had made his 13th trip within 12 months to Spain.

"Mr Wilson told customs on arrival from Malaga that he had paid £1,900 for the cigarettes and seven kilos of tobacco in Spain," said Mr Forbister.

"The cost would have been £4,500 if bought in this country.

"The cigarettes and tobacco were in a suitcase and two bags and were seized on the balance of probability that they were to be sold in this country for commercial gain.

"This meant Mr Wilson would have avoided paying import duty.

"He told customs officers that he had bought the cigarettes and tobacco back for himself and friends and family.

"He said he still smoked now and then, despite being asthmatic.

"People are normally allowed to bring some 3,000 cigarettes back from Spain but on this occasion the number far exceeded the toleration level.

"The officers believed the goods were for sale in this country.

"The cigarettes were in six different brands and Mr Wilson told officers he had made 12 trips to Spain during the last 12 months.

"During a recent return from Spain he had a large number of cigarettes seized by customs at Manchester Airport."

Mr Forbister successfully applied to the court to keep the cigarettes and tobacco for destruction. Mr Wilson did not attend the hearing and the magistrates' clerk said no letter had been received.