Local News · Oxford
Two men admit guilt after illicit tobacco bust at Oxford shop
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Trading standards officers seized a haul of counterfeit cigarettes and non-compliant nicotine pouches from an Oxford shop following an undercover investigation.
Two men have pleaded guilty to offences related to the sale of illegal tobacco and nicotine products after a targeted operation by Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards team. The enforcement action, which took place at a shop on Cowley Road, Oxford, resulted in the recovery of smuggled goods and counterfeit items.
Employee Farzad Ali Karimy, 28, of Temple Street, Oxford, and shop owner Yasin Mohammed, 43, of Mulgrove Street, Stoke-on-Trent, appeared in court on 2 October following an inspection of the premises on 28 September 2025. The investigation was triggered by an undercover test purchase where a packet of smuggled Marlboro Gold cigarettes was sold for £8.
During the subsequent search, officers discovered a black bin liner containing illicit tobacco products hidden behind the counter. Further examination of the shelves revealed a selection of non-compliant nicotine pouches. In total, authorities seized 112 packs of cigarettes, three packs of hand-rolling tobacco, four packs of waterpipe tobacco, and over 100 packs of nicotine pouches. Testing confirmed that several tobacco brands, including Richmond, Lambert & Butler, and Amber Leaf, were counterfeit. The investigation calculated that £1,218.85 in excise duty had been evaded.
In court, Mr Karimy entered guilty pleas to all charges and was ordered to pay nearly £900 in fines and associated costs. Mr Mohammed also pleaded guilty to all charges. His sentencing has been adjourned until 27 November. The court heard that this is not Mr Mohammed's first involvement in such activity, noting a previous seizure of 18,000 illegal cigarettes from a shop he operated in Bangor in December 2022.
Councillor Kate Gregory, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities at Oxfordshire County Council, stated that the illegal trade undermines legitimate businesses and deprives the public purse of revenue. She added that consumers are put at risk by products that bypass UK safety standards.
Trading Standards Operations Manager Davina Walkin warned that the illicit market has broader implications for the community. She said: "Illegal tobacco is not a victimless crime. The illicit market fuels wider criminality, makes tobacco products more accessible and affordable to children, and undermines efforts to reduce smoking-related harm."
Officials are encouraging members of the public to report any information regarding the illegal sale of tobacco or nicotine products. Reports can be made anonymously by calling 0300 999 6 999 or by visiting the website at www.stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk.
The shop involved in the investigation remains open under new ownership.
Source: Oxfordshire County Council · View original