UK Trading Standards crackdown results in jail and fine for illegal vape sellers

Keyvan Manouchehri, 31, was sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment at Preston Crown Court after Trading Standards uncovered a large‑scale illegal tobacco and vaping operation at the Euro Mini Market in St Annes, Lancashire. Officers seized more than 3,600 counterfeit cigarettes, 600 hand‑rolling tobacco pouches and over 380 oversized vapes, representing an estimated loss of £52,000 in unpaid duties and VAT. Co‑defendant Kawan Poormand received a 12‑month community order.

In a separate case in Harrow, SR Super Mart Ltd, trading as Metro 7, pleaded guilty to selling a disposable vape to 13‑ and 15‑year‑old volunteers during a test‑purchase operation. The shop was fined £100, ordered to pay £1,196 in costs and a £400 victim surcharge, and has strengthened its staff training and sales procedures to prevent future under‑age sales.