Wolverhampton Store Hit with £16k Fine for Hidden Illicit Tobacco Stash
A Wolverhampton convenience store has been slapped with a substantial court bill totalling over £16,000 after authorities uncovered a secret cache of illicit tobacco products for a second time. Easy Mini Market Ltd, which operates as Easy Shop on Wednesfield Road, was prosecuted following a targeted operation by Trading Standards officers.
Discovery of Hidden Contraband
During a pre-planned inspection in November 2024, officers seized a significant haul of illegal goods from the premises. The illicit items were found concealed in various locations, including under the counter and within a rear store room. The haul comprised 7,910 single cigarettes and 79 pouches of hand rolling tobacco. Additionally, hidden within the cigarette gantry, investigators discovered 206 single-use e-cigarettes.
This was not the first instance of such activity at the store. Back in July 2019, following an underage test purchase where counterfeit cigarettes were sold to a 15-year-old volunteer, an inspection revealed 4,900 illicit cigarettes and 750g of illicit hand rolling tobacco, resulting in a written warning for the owner.
Court Proceedings and Guilty Pleas
Owner and director Sharifullah Azimi, aged 52, attended Dudley Magistrates' Court on January 28, 2026, where he entered a series of guilty pleas on behalf of both himself and the company. Azimi pleaded guilty to six offences, including violations under:
- The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations
- Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations
- Standardised Packaging of Tobacco Products Regulations 2015
The company itself admitted to 11 charges, which encompassed breaches of the Trademarks Act, The Companies Act 2006, and the Proceeds of Crime Act, among others.
Financial Penalties Imposed
The court imposed significant financial penalties. Azimi was fined £3,300, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £1,332, and costs amounting to £1,545.83. The company received a heftier fine of £6,670, along with a victim surcharge of £2,000 and costs of £1,545.83. In total, the combined court bill reached £16,393.66.
Council's Stance on Illegal Trade
Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, Wolverhampton’s cabinet member for resident services, commented after the hearing, emphasising the seriousness of the case. He stated, "This successful prosecution marks another important step in our continued work to safeguard residents and tackle the illegal tobacco trade within the city."
He highlighted the health risks associated with illicit vapes and tobacco, noting that as unregulated products, they can contain dangerously high levels of harmful chemicals and contribute to underage use, thereby increasing addiction risks. Gakhal also pointed out that such unlawful sales undermine honest local businesses, creating unfair competition for responsible traders.
The City of Wolverhampton Council reaffirmed its commitment to stopping the sale and supply of illegal and unsafe products, praising the dedication of its Trading Standards team. Residents who suspect they have been sold illegal goods or witness such sales are encouraged to report them to the authorities.
