Release date: 02 July 2026
In September 2022 staff were warned not to sell illegal e-cigarettes during a routine inspection of the shop. However, in October 2022 further concerns were raised when a number of complaints were received by Trading Standards. Officers responded with inspections and covert test purchases, which revealed a pattern of repeated non-compliance.
Further advice was given in June 2023, when officers instructed the business to remove oversized illegal vapes from sale and reminded them that they were required to display an age restricted tobacco notice. Despite this, illegal tobacco continued to be sold and one of the covert test purchases resulted in a sale to a minor.
Inspections uncovered tobacco products concealed inside a large industrial fridge in the stock room. Across multiple visits, officers seized 2,420 cigarettes and 1.6 kilograms of handrolling tobacco, 60 pouches of ‘premium’ shisha, 36 disposable e-cigarettes with capacities above the legal limit, and 20 counterfeit Samsung-branded electrical items.
Kaiwan Osman and Omar Eanahi appeared at Lewes Crown Court on 9 February 2026 where they admitted a series of offences relating to the supply of counterfeit, non-duty-paid and otherwise illicit tobacco products.
They were sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on 12 June 2026. Omar Mohammadi Eanahi received a nine month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. Kaiwan Osman received a nine month sentence, suspended for 18 months along with a total of 150 hours of unpaid work.
The court took into account the total excise duty evaded, which is estimated to be £1500, as well as the repeated offences and failure to act on previous warnings.
Cllr Tracie Bangert, Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, said: “This outcome represents a strong success for our Trading Standards officers and reinforces the seriousness with which we address the sale of illegal tobacco.
“The case contributes to our continued countywide work to combat illicit tobacco, support lawful traders, and protect the health of our residents.”
Any residents with concerns about businesses selling illicit tobacco should phone 0808 223 1133 or report this online on our website.
While illicit tobacco is especially hazardous, it’s important to remember that all tobacco products are harmful. Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable death, responsible for serious illnesses including cancer, heart disease, stroke and chronic respiratory conditions.
The best way to protect your health is to quit smoking. Free support is available to help people stop, including vapes and nicotine replacement products such as patches, gum and lozenges. Residents can visit the Smokefree West Sussex webpage or call 0330 222 7980 to access digital, telephone and face-to-face support.
