Hyde shop owner fined for illicit tobacco and illegal e cigarette sales

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. The inspection led to the seizure of:

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

The items were discovered hidden inside a toilet cistern and in a purpose-built concealment within the wall of the premises.

As a result of the investigation, six charges were brought against Hamid Mohamad Ahmadi, of Naylor Court, Gunson Street, Manchester, as the owner of the business. Mr Ahmadi pleaded guilty to all charges. In mitigation, he stated that he has surrendered the lease to the shop and is no longer working in retail.

Tameside magistrates imposed the following penalties on Mr Ahmadi: a £500 fine, £200 victim surcharge and £1,188 in costs.

Cllr 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 continues 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 using the form at keep-it-out.co.uk/anonymous-reporting/