Shopkeeper sentenced in Eastbourne for selling counterfeit tobacco following inspection by East Sussex County Council’s Trading Standards
Hampden Park shop worker found with nearly 800 illegal products
An Eastbourne shop worker was sentenced to 300 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £2,400 in court costs after being found with nearly 800 counterfeit tobacco products and illegal vapes.
Navid Kohneposhi, 31, who operates from Hampden Park Sweet and Toy Shop on Queens Parade, was found in possession of 780 counterfeit tobacco products, which would have exceeded £14,000 in value if genuine.
During an inspection by East Sussex County Council’s Trading Standards team, illegal tobacco and vapes were discovered at Kohneposhi's shop, in his car, and at his home address on Mulberry Close.
Kohneposhi pleaded guilty to 19 counts, including possession of counterfeit tobacco products and evasion of duty. He was sentenced on 20th April to a two-year Community Behaviour Order, along with 300 hours of unpaid work, and was ordered to pay £2,400 in court costs. A Forfeiture and Destruction Order was also issued for the confiscated tobacco products and vapes.
Paul Davison, Enforcement and Investigations Manager at East Sussex County Council’s Trading Standards team, emphasised the seriousness of illegal tobacco supply: “We take the supply of illegal tobacco extremely seriously and will do everything we can to protect residents.
“The sale of illegal tobacco, which is not subject to the usual stringent checks and safeguards, puts people’s health further in jeopardy, risks encouraging more young people to smoke, and places money into the pockets of criminal gangs.
“Selling cheap, illegal tobacco products only makes them more attractive to children and people trying to quit the habit, putting people’s health at risk.”
He continued: “This conviction should act as a warning to those involved in the sale of counterfeit tobacco that we are committed to finding and prosecuting those who persist in this illegal activity.”