A Weston-super-Mare shop owner has been sentenced after trading standards officers, supported by Avon and Somerset Police and a regional tobacco specialist, discovered a substantial quantity of illegal tobacco and vaping products at his former premises.
Court orders community punishment and costs
Naseh Mahmoodi appeared before North Somerset Magistrates' Court where he was given a 12-month community order and required to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work. The court also ordered him to pay £8,500 towards the council’s investigation costs and a £114 victim surcharge. Officers were granted a forfeiture order for the seized goods.
What was found during the inspection
The enforcement visit took place in August 2023 at Grand Super Market in Alexandra Parade, which Mahmoodi owned at the time. Officers located a range of products concealed on the premises, many of which were identified as counterfeit or otherwise non-compliant with tobacco regulations.
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Packets of cigarettes | 304 |
| Hand-rolling tobacco | 4.4 kg |
| Illegal vapes | 23 |
| Estimated retail value | c. £10,000 |
Council response and public impact
North Somerset Council described the case as an example of its ongoing action to tackle the illicit trade in tobacco and vaping products. Officials say such activity harms consumers by bypassing safety checks, gives compliant businesses an unfair disadvantage and can be associated with wider criminality.
“We want our communities to be caring, healthy and safe, where people help each other to live well... The sentence reflects the seriousness with which the courts view these offences,” said Councillor James Clayton, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, Sport and the Pride in Place programme.
The council and policing partners have been working together across North Somerset to identify and disrupt the sale of counterfeit and non-compliant products, particularly where they may pose health risks or be linked to organised crime.
What this means for residents and businesses
For consumers, the case underlines risks associated with purchasing tobacco and vaping goods from unfamiliar or unlicensed sources: products may be dangerous, illegal or not meet labelling and safety requirements. For legitimate retailers, the ruling is a reminder that trading standards and police continue to enforce regulations and pursue financial penalties and forfeiture where offences are found.
- If you suspect a retailer is selling illegal tobacco or vaping products, report it to North Somerset Council's trading standards.
- Consumers should buy tobacco and vaping items from reputable, licensed sellers to ensure products meet safety and legal standards.
- Businesses should ensure compliance with tobacco and e-cigarette regulations to avoid prosecution and financial penalties.
The seized items will be destroyed under the terms of the forfeiture order. The council said it is grateful to partner agencies for their role in the operation and investigation.
