Man sentenced after trading standards exercise seizes illegal cigarettes

A Stoke-on-Trent trader has been sentenced following a successful trading standards operation targeting the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes.

It follows an age restricted sales exercise by Stoke on Trent’s trading standards team aimed at protecting young people in Stoke-on-Trent.

The exercise in November 2023 found that a vape sold to two 15 year old under age volunteers at the International Mini Market in Longton contained three times the legal amount of nicotine.

A subsequent inspection found a large quantity of illegal vapes, tobacco and cigarettes behind the counter and in concealed storage areas, that were then seized.

Overall, as part of the operation, the team seized 349 illegal disposable e-cigarettes, 57.8kg of hand rolling tobacco and 1,319 packets of illegal cigarettes, with a total genuine retail value of over £50,000.

Hawjin Mustafa, the owner of the business at the time, pleaded guilty to all charges and has been sentenced by Stoke on Trent Crown Court to 8 months in custody, suspended for 18 months, 200 hours of unpaid work and £1,000 costs.

Councillor Amjid Wazir OBE, cabinet member for pride, enforcement and sustainability at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “The sale of illegal tobacco and vapes poses serious risks - particularly to children and young people.

“Our Trading Standards Team work tirelessly to remove illegal tobacco and vapes off our streets, as we strive to create a cleaner, greener city that everybody feels safe in and reduce health inequality.

“Our message is simple: if you choose to sell illegal tobacco or vapes in Stoke-on-Trent, you will face serious consequences.”

The sentencing forms part of ongoing efforts by Stoke-on-Trent City Council to reduce the availability of illegal and harmful products and to protect public health.

Anyone with concerns about illegal tobacco, vapes, underage sales, or restricted products such as knives can contact Trading Standards on the hotline at 01782 238884 or visit www.stoke.gov.uk/tradingstandards.