Hyde shop owner fined after illicit tobacco and vape haul uncovered

A Hyde shop owner has been fined after Tameside Trading Standards officers uncovered a significant haul of illicit tobacco products and non-compliant e-cigarettes during an inspection.

Tameside magistrates heard on 30 January 2026 that officers visited Royal Mini Market, 80 Market Street, Hyde, on 5 March 2025. During the inspection, officers discovered a large quantity of illegal goods concealed within the premises.

The seizure included:

• 485 disposable e-cigarettes
• 256 packets of illegal cigarettes
• 46 pouches of illegal hand-rolling tobacco

The items were found hidden inside a toilet cistern and in a purpose-built concealment within a wall at the shop.

As a result of the investigation, six charges were brought against Hamid Mohamad Ahmadi, of Naylor Court, Gunson Street, Manchester, in his capacity as the owner of the business. Mr Ahmadi pleaded guilty to all charges when he appeared before magistrates.

In mitigation, the court was told that he has surrendered the lease to the shop and is no longer working in retail.

Magistrates imposed a £500 fine, ordered him to pay a £200 victim surcharge and awarded £1,188 in costs.

Councillor Laura Boyle, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Environmental Services and Neighbourhoods, said: “This case shows once again that illicit tobacco and illegal vapes pose real risks to our communities. They undermine legitimate businesses, fuel organised criminal activity and make harmful products more accessible to young people. Our Trading Standards team works tirelessly to protect residents, and this successful prosecution sends a clear message that we will not hesitate to take enforcement action wherever the law is being flouted.”

Tameside Council is continuing to urge residents and businesses to report any concerns about illegal tobacco or vaping products so action can be taken swiftly.

Anyone wishing to report the sale of illegal tobacco or e-cigarettes can do so anonymously by visiting keep-it-out.co.uk/anonymous-reporting/.