The post you are reporting:
There are a LOT of the smoking public buy their tobacco illegally at the present time .... It needs to be dealt with more severely.
In the mid 1800s, there was a lot of tobacco smuggling went on in this area - the fines were, compared to today, VERY HIGH.
John FROST fined l6/-. Dover Petty Sessions / one and half pounds tobacco. (Dover Telegraph 3l.l0.l846 p.8 col.3)
Mary GRIFFITHS fined 32/- (0r 10-days imprisonment) for smuggling tobacco. Dover Police Report (Dover Telegraph 7 Apr 1838 p.8 col.2)
Richd. PHILPOTT Seaman. Dover Petty Sessions - long report - charged with smuggling tobacco. Discharged (Dover Telegraph l9 June 1847 p.8 col.3)
Wm PHIPPS and Stephen CURLING remanded for having possession of tobacco, thought to have been smuggled. PHIPPS fined 20/- (Dover Telegraph 29 Dec 1838 p.8 col.2)
Smuggling case - "the 2nd and final examination of Edward LOWTHER, Daniel GARDENER and George BATH, all fishermen belonging to the "May Flower"fishing smack, property of John COOK, on board of which vessel was found a quantity of smuggled tobacco snuff and cigars, took place last week. It appeared that there were 3,225 lbs tobacco, 1,213 lbs snuff and 412 tobacco stalks or cigars. They all pleaded guilty and were sentenced to pay £100 each, and in default of payment to be imprisoned in the Sandwich house of correction until fine is paid. The boys belonging to the vessel were discharged, it being supposed they acted under the influence and orders of the master and the men."
(Dover Telegraph 10 Jan 1846 p.8 col.2)