A Loughborough shopkeeper has been sentenced after repeatedly selling illegal tobacco and non-compliant vaping products, despite multiple warnings from enforcement officers.
Hassan Sadaghat, who operated Gold Town on Swan Street, was handed a 12-month community order requiring 120 hours of unpaid work after pleading guilty to 11 offences at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on 2 April. He was also disqualified from acting as a company director for three years and ordered to pay a £114 victim surcharge.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
The company, Gold Town Loughborough Ltd, was fined £5,000, ordered to contribute £5,000 towards prosecution costs and pay a further £114 surcharge.
The prosecution followed a sustained investigation into the shop, which uncovered ongoing illegal sales of cigarettes, tobacco and vapes over several months.
Officers first visited the premises on 15 April 2025, seizing illegal e-cigarettes, cigarettes and herbal tobacco. Sadaghat was issued with a warning and given advice around age-restricted sales.
However, further visits revealed continued offending. On 23 July, additional illicit products were discovered, including items believed to contain THC. Another warning was issued in September.
Between late October and early December, a series of undercover test purchases confirmed that illegal and counterfeit tobacco products were still being sold.
The case escalated following a final inspection on 4 December 2025, when officers, supported by police, carried out an enforcement operation at the shop. During the search, they uncovered a concealed storage compartment above a toilet door containing illegal cigarettes and rolling tobacco. Sadaghat was also found in possession of additional cigarette packets.
In total, more than 150 illegal tobacco products were seized, none of which complied with UK packaging laws or carried the required health warnings.
Gary Connors, head of regulatory services, said the case highlighted persistent and deliberate offending.
“This prosecution reflects a clear and repeated disregard for the law. Despite multiple warnings and opportunities to comply, illegal products continued to be sold.
“The volume of counterfeit and non-compliant goods uncovered shows the seriousness of the offences and why enforcement action is essential.”
The prosecution forms part of Operation Hind, an ongoing crackdown targeting the illegal sale of tobacco and vaping products across Leicestershire.
Authorities say such products can pose significant health risks, with previous testing identifying harmful substances including arsenic, lead and formaldehyde in some illegal vapes.
Residents with concerns about illegal tobacco or vape sales can report information anonymously via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
