Four Kurdish men who have denied selling contraband tobacco products on which no customs duty was paid, will stand trial on 19th November, a Gloucester judge has ruled.

Dana Kadir, 41, of Castle Rise, Runcorn; Soleman Hossein, 35, of Ilminster, Rochdale; Soran Shapoli, 35, of Claymoor Flora Street, Oldham, and Araz Rasul, 37, of Southgate Street, Gloucester have all denied dealing with goods with fraudulent intent between 1st June 2015 and 30th September 2016.

A fifth man, Howkar Hassan, 33, of Willow Drive, Sheffield, has pleaded guilty to the allegation that he was knowingly concerned in dealing with goods, namely tobacco products, which were chargeable with duty which had not been paid with intent to defraud her majesty of duty payable on those goods.

Judge Ian Lawrie QC, sitting at Gloucester crown court heard that the case is ready for trial, and two interpreters will be required.

He confirmed the trial date of 19th November and adjourned the case until then.