Luton Borough Council

08/04/2025 - Luton shop owner fined for selling counterfeit cigarettes

Following an investigation by Luton Trading Standards, a Luton business has been prosecuted for selling illegal cigarettes.

Vaniya Bahiri (aged 30) of Chevette Court, Luton, trading as High Town Market, 8 High Town Road, Luton, appeared at Luton Magistrates on 2 April 2025. The court heard that 12 sales of counterfeit and non-duty paid cigarettes took place between 2023 to 2024.

Mr Bahiri pleaded guilty to the charges and was fined £1,100 alongside a £440 victim surcharge and prosecution costs of £3,105.50, making a total of £4,645.50.

Luton Trading Standards are continuing to clamp down on those who sell illicit vapes, cigarettes and tobacco.

Councillor Maria Lovell, Portfolio Holder for Trading Standards, said: “We’re determined to keep our town a safe place for everyone and our diligent Trading Standards team will investigate and, where possible, take action against retailers who are caught flouting the law and selling any kind of illegal tobacco products that could severely harm the health of our residents.”

Lord Michael Bichard, Chair of National Trading Standards, said: “The trade in illegal tobacco harms local communities and affects honest businesses operating within the law. Having removed 46 million illegal cigarettes, 12,600kg of hand rolling tobacco and almost 175kg of shisha products from sale, Operation CeCe, the National Trading Standards initiative in partnership with HMRC, continues to successfully disrupt this illicit trade.”

Anyone with information on premises and individuals selling and storing illicit cigarettes, tobacco, shisha and vape pens in Luton either from a shop, online or from a domestic premises or vehicle can report it in confidence.