A Weston-super-Mare shop owner has been fined and given a community order following the seizure of illegal tobacco and vaping products valued at approximately £10,000.
Naseh Mahmoodi appeared at North Somerset Magistrates Court, where he was sentenced to a 12-month community order, requiring 100 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, he must pay £8,500 towards the council’s investigation costs and a victim surcharge of £114. A forfeiture order was also issued for the confiscated illicit goods.
In August 2023, officers from North Somerset Trading Standards, together with Avon and Somerset Police and the South West Regional Tobacco Specialist Officer, conducted a raid on Grand Super Market in Alexandra Parade, Weston-super-Mare—then owned by Mahmoodi. During the operation, officials uncovered 304 packets of cigarettes, 4.4 kilograms of hand-rolling tobacco, and 23 illegal vaping devices concealed on the premises.
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Most of the tobacco products were found to be counterfeit, while the rest failed to meet tobacco regulations. The estimated retail value of these illegal goods was around £10,000.
Councillor James Clayton, North Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, Sport, and the Pride in Place programme, emphasized the council’s commitment to protecting communities from the dangers of illegal tobacco and vaping products. He stated, “This case highlights the serious risks posed by counterfeit tobacco and vaping items—not only to consumers but also to businesses that comply with the law. Illegal trade also often intersects with wider criminal activities.”
He added that the sentence reflects the gravity with which the courts view these offences and expressed gratitude to the Trading Standards officers and partner agencies responsible for bringing the case to justice.
North Somerset Council reaffirmed its dedication to ongoing collaborative efforts to identify and take firm enforcement action against those involved in selling illegal tobacco and vaping products, reinforcing safety and fairness within the community.