Thousands of fake cigarettes and rolling tobacco found inside a house were part of a conspiracy to be sold illegally, a court heard.

Two men from Thanet will appear before a judge next month accused of trying to sell illicit items in the district.

Salam Osman and Arsalan Saed, both from Margate, appeared at Canterbury Magistrates' Court this morning to face the charges for the first time.

The court heard officers launched an investigation in November 2017 into an alleged conspiracy to sell counterfeit rolling tobacco and cigarettes.

Osman, of Harold Road, Cliftonville and Saed, of Grotto Road, Margate spoke only to confirm their names and address and were assisted by an interpreter during the hearing.

Defending, Natasha Spreadbrough said her clients would not be entering or indicating pleas at this stage of proceedings.

Charges were also brought against Al Madinah Foods, a business in Northdown Road, which Saed was a director of, the court heard.

The pair are accused alongside a third person, Kristina Vecerskaja, who did not attend the hearing today.

Magistrates granted an adjournment for Vecerskaja to appear before magistrates on August 13.

Osman, 33, and Saed, 36, were released on bail to appear at Canterbury Crown Court on August 27.

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