Two men in Cardiff have been jailed for running a fraudulent business involving illegal vapes.
According to Torfaen County Borough Council, Tahsin Mokhtar and Arish Mohammedi, both from Cardiff, pleaded guilty to multiple offences at Newport Crown Court on Friday, after a Trading Standards investigation uncovered a large quantity of non-compliant disposable vapes at a shop in Pontypool.Counterfeit cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco were also found at the premises.
The investigation began in March 2023 after Trading Standards received reports that the shop, located on Commercial Street, was selling illicit tobacco and vaping products that did not meet UK safety standards.
Test purchases confirmed the sale of counterfeit items, and subsequent inspections led to the discovery of further illegal stock.
During a search under Operation CeCe, officers found a concealed storage area behind an unused fridge unit containing large amounts of illegal tobacco, cigarettes, and vapes.
Additional products were also found in a vehicle linked to the business.
Tahsin Mokhtar was sentenced to 28 months in prison for offences under the Fraud Act 2006, the Trade Marks Act 1994, and for breaching a Closure Order issued under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.Arish Mohammedi received a 30-month sentence for carrying on a fraudulent business.
A forfeiture and destruction order was issued for all illegal products.
Daniel Morelli, Joint Assistant Director Public Protection and Environment, said: "The sale of illegal tobacco and vaping products is not a victimless crime, as it undermines legitimate businesses, poses risks to public health, and often funds wider criminal activity.
"This prosecution demonstrates our commitment to taking robust action against those who break the law and seek to profit from unlawful trading practices.
"Illegal tobacco and vapes have been found to contain a range of substances, which can be harmful to health. The stern penalties imposed demonstrate that the Courts take these offences seriously."
Operation CeCe is a joint initiative between National Trading Standards and HM Revenue, launched in January 2021 to tackle the illicit tobacco trade across the UK.