A convenience store owner in Stoke-on-Trent has been sentenced following a crackdown on illegal tobacco by the partnership working between Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Trading Standards team and Staffordshire Police.
Ismail Mohammed, who ran Waterloo Stores at 80 Waterloo Road, Burslem, received a nine-month suspended sentence, 100 hours of unpaid work, and had his tobacco and cash seized.
The sentencing took place last week at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, following Mohammed’s conviction in July last year.
He pleaded guilty to the possession of criminal property (£6,310 in cash) and to entering into an arrangement to acquire, use, or control criminal property – in this case counterfeit and non-duty-paid tobacco.
It follows a successful investigation which began in 2019, into illegal tobacco sales at the shop, leading to a raid on residential properties in Hanley.
Officers seized 1,390 packs of illegal cigarettes and £17,000 in cash. Undercover test purchases also confirmed illegal tobacco sales at the Waterloo Road store.
Councillor Amjid Wazir OBE, cabinet member for city pride, enforcement and sustainability at Stoke-on-Trent City Council said, “This case is another great example of partnership work making Stoke-on-Trent a safer place.
"The work carried out by our Trading Standards team sends a clear message—illegal tobacco sales will not be tolerated. Those involved in the storage, distribution, or sale of illicit tobacco will face serious consequences.
“The trade in illegal tobacco harms legitimate businesses, provides a cheap source of cigarettes for children and young people, and undermines efforts to reduce smoking rates. Illegal tobacco sales are also often linked to wider criminal activity.
“Our message is clear, those engaging in crime will be held accountable. We are committed to making Stoke-on-Trent a greener, fairer, cleaner, and safer city for all.”
Inspector Victoria Ison, from the Stoke North local policing team, said: “We are pleased to support the local authority and Trading Standards in their work to disrupt the sale of illegal tobacco and cigarettes.
“These items not only risk public health, but also have a significant impact on legitimate sellers and local businesses who are operating within the law.
“We hope the outcome reassures the community we are committed to working with partners to tackle this issue and associated criminality.”
Mohammed had previously been prosecuted for selling counterfeit cigarettes at another Stoke-on-Trent shop, where he was fined.
