A Hinckley shop worker has been ordered by a court to carry out community service after another successful prosecution by Leicestershire County Council’s Trading Standards Service.
Farhad Rasuli, who was working at Hinckley International Store Ltd on Regent Street, appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Thursday 22 January, where he pleaded guilty to 15 counts of selling counterfeit cigarettes and illegal vapes and possession of counterfeit and illegal items in his flat.
He was sentenced to an 18-month Community Order, which requires him to do 135 hours of unpaid work.
His conviction followed a targeted enforcement action on 1 May 2025, as part of Operation Hind - a joint enforcement operation launched by Leicestershire County Council’s Trading Standards team in partnership with Leicestershire Police to identify, disrupt and prosecute people involved in selling illegal tobacco and vaping products across Leicestershire.
During a test purchase on the morning of the operation, Rasuli sold Trading Standards officers counterfeit cigarettes for £4 a packet and an oversized vape for £10. Both the cigarettes and vape were later confirmed to be illegal, with the vape containing three times the legal limit of nicotine liquid.
Around an hour later, Trading Standards officers and police returned to the shop, arrested Rasuli, and carried out a search. A hidden, electromagnetic-operated cupboard was found in the storeroom containing counterfeit cigarettes and illegal vapes. In total, officers seized 62 packets of cigarettes and 72 vapes from the shop.
A further police search of a flat above the premises uncovered 260 more packets of illegal cigarettes and 157 illegal vapes, all seized as part of the investigation. Additional nearby shops were also searched the same day.
Of the tobacco seized, 18 packets were later confirmed as counterfeit. All 62 packets breached UK tobacco regulations by failing to carry legally‑required health warnings, and 54 of them also breached the Standardised Packaging of Tobacco Products Regulations 2015. Every vape tested from the seizure contained between 5ml and 10ml of nicotine liquid - up to five times the legal limit.
This activity is not harmless. It fuels organised criminality, undermines legitimate businesses and puts consumers at risk.
A meaningful sentence for sellers sends a clear deterrent message and helps to reduce crime. These enterprises rely on a steady supply of people willing to break the law. Holding them accountable is essential.
Councillor Virge Richichi, cabinet member for regulatory servicsPerson:Councillor Virge Richichi, cabinet member for regulatory services
Trading Standards is now intensifying its work with police to target sellers, supply networks and landlords who allow illegal trading to continue on their premises. This coordinated work forms part of the broader Operation Hind strategy to disrupt organised illegal tobacco and vape supply networks across the county.
Gary Connors, head of regulatory services, said: “The trade in illegal tobacco and vapes has become increasingly organised and prevalent on our high streets.
“Our ongoing efforts make it abundantly clear that anyone engaging in this kind of illegal activity in Leicestershire will be prosecuted. Tackling this problem is vital, both for protecting public health and safeguarding the local economy. While this is a nationwide issue, Leicestershire’s enforcement response will remain robust and determined.”
Anyone who suspects a business is selling illegal vapes and cigarettes can report it to Leicestershire Trading Standards.