A Stoke-on-Trent trader has been handed a suspended prison sentence following his involvement in the sale of illegal tobacco.

Ismail Mohammed, who ran 'Waterloo Stores' at 80 Waterloo Road, Burslem, received a 9 month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, with 100 hours unpaid work.

Mohammed 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.

The operation was aided by a partnership between Stoke-on-Trent City Council's Trading Standards team and Staffordshire Police.

Cllr 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."

The sentencing took place on Wednesday, 6 February 2025, at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, following Mohammed's conviction on 8 July 2024. 

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.

Mohammed had previously been prosecuted for selling counterfeit cigarettes at another Stoke-on-Trent shop, where he was fined.

Cllr Wazir added: "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."