23/12/2025 - Trading Standards keep up war on illegal cigarettes and tobacco traders

Mohammad Kamaran Mohammad, 24, of Ridgway Road, Luton, was found guilty, following a two-day trial, on nine charges related to Mini Luton Grocery and Luton Groceries between March 2023 and February 2024. 

He was convicted following an investigation by Luton Council’s Trading Standards team for selling counterfeit and non-duty paid cigarettes from both shops. 

Mr Mohammad was given a 12-month community order, 200 hours of unpaid work and must pay £3,500 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

Both premises have also been issued with closure orders following an application by the council to the court.

Faisal Fazal Abdullah, 40, trading as Moldova in Manchester Street, Luton, pleaded guilty at Luton Magistrates’ Court on 5 December to four counts of selling counterfeit and illicit cigarettes. 

The case was adjourned for a probation report and sentencing will take place on 18 February next year.

A three-month closure order extension has been obtained against Magazin Doina Romanesc in Wellington Street, Luton.

The council previously obtained a closure on the premises due to persistent sales of illegal cigarettes in September of this year. 

However, magistrates heard the landlord was looking to allow the same tenant to remain and continue trading. This, they agreed, would likely lead to the same illegal activity continuing, so the closure order was extended.

Euro Magazine Limited, trading as Euro Magazin, in Wellington Street, was issued with three-month closure order by Luton Magistrates’ Court for the persistent sale of illicit tobacco products. 

The court heard the director of the company was prosecuted in June 2025, but sales continued. Multiple seizures of illicit tobacco products and a sale of a vape to a 16-year-old test purchaser took place since this date.

Councillor Maria Lovell, portfolio holder for Trading Standards, said: “Yet again our diligent Trading Standards team has successfully tackled businesses who flout the law and sell illegal and dangerous products which could severely harm the health of our residents. 

“The health impacts of tobacco are well known and those around vapes are beginning to be understood. We’re determined to keep our town a safe place for everyone by tackling illegal products.”

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 domestic premises or vehicles can report it in confidence.