Business owners hit with heavy fines after attempts to conceal illicit vapes and cigarettes

Business owners hit with heavy fines after attempts to conceal illicit vapes and cigarettes

Two business owners in Wigan Borough have been convicted after hundreds of illicit vapes and cigarettes were seized from their property. 

Following a Trading Standards investigation and multi-agency day of action in Leigh, 358 illegal vapes were seized from the vehicle of Chaudhary Rahman in December 2024. 

It was reported that Mr Rahman, who is the owner of several shops on Railway Road, was using the vehicle to store the illegal vapes and avoid detection. 

In a separate investigation, Trading Standards also seized 226 packs of illicit cigarettes from Wallgate News in Wigan town centre. 

The discovery was made in May 2025, with the packs of cigarettes found in a purpose-built concealment located behind a mirror in the rear storeroom. 

Councillor Kevin Anderson, portfolio holder for Police, Crime and Civil Contingencies, said: “These cases highlight the lengths that some business owners will go to in order to sell illicit products and avoid detection, and we will continue to investigate and clamp down on those who do not adhere to our high standards.” 

Working with partners to keep residents safe as part of the borough’s Community Safety Partnership, Wigan Council’s Trading Standards team acts on information passed on by partners or the public to investigate and bring enforcement action against those found to be breaching the law. 

With Mr Rahman’s case heard at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates Court on Thursday 14th May 2026, the business owner was ordered to pay a total of £3,065, consisting of a £1,500 fine, victim surcharge of £600 and associated costs of £965. 

Following the seizure at Wallgate News, Bestun Mohammedi was convicted for his role in the offences at Wigan and Magistrates Court on Friday 15th May 2026. 

Mr Mohammedi was sentenced to 100 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay a total of £1,686 in fines and associated costs. 

Trading Standards is committed to tackling high street crime and shops selling illegal goods. Anyone wishing to report shops selling illegal tobacco or vapes can contact Trading Standards in confidence by email [email protected] or by ringing Crimestoppers 0800 555111.