A Stoke-on-Trent trader has avoided jail following a trading standards operation which targeted the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes.

A trading standards exercise in November 2023 found a vape sold to two 15-year-old underage volunteers at the International Mini Market, on The Strand, in Longton contained three times the legal amount of nicotine.

A subsequent inspection found a large quantity of illegal vapes, tobacco and cigarettes behind the counter and in concealed storage areas, which were then seized.

Hawjin Mustafa, the owner of the business at the time, pleaded guilty to all charges but avoided being jailed.

Mustafa was sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court to 8 months in custody, suspended for 18 months, 200 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £1,000 costs.

Cllr Amjid Wazir OBE, cabinet member for pride, enforcement and sustainability at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "The sale of illegal tobacco and vapes poses serious risks - particularly to children and young people."

As part of the operation, the trading standards team seized 349 illegal disposable e-cigarettes, 57.8kg of hand-rolling tobacco and 1,319 packets of illegal cigarettes, with a total genuine retail value of over £50,000.

Hawjin Mustafa was the owner of the International Mini Market at the time of the trading standards operation. (Google)

Cllr Wazir added: "Our trading standards team work tirelessly to remove illegal tobacco and vapes off our streets, as we strive to create a cleaner, greener city that everybody feels safe in and reduce health inequality. 

"Our message is simple: if you choose to sell illegal tobacco or vapes in Stoke-on-Trent, you will face serious consequences."

The volunteer exercise, which led to the sentencing, was carried out by Stoke-on-Trent's trading standards team, aimed at protecting young people in the city.  

Stoke-on-Trent council say the sentencing forms part of ongoing efforts by Stoke-on-Trent City Council to reduce the availability of illegal and harmful products and to protect public health.

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