Business owner sentenced after discovery of illegal tobacco stashed in ceiling lights prompts investigation
The discovery of illegal tobacco stashed in the ceiling lights of two city shops has resulted in the previous owner being sentenced in court.
Bestun Ibrahim Mohammad, the previous owner of Five Star Shisha in Kingston Road and Charlotte Mini Market based in Charlotte Street, was sentenced to 16 months immediate custody at court on Tuesday, November 4.
The sentence comes after Mohammad pleaded guilty to 34 charges in connection with the sale of illegal tobacco products from his business premises at a court hearing on August 5.
During one of the Portsmouth Trading Standards Service inspections, tobacco was discovered after being concealed within the ceiling and ceiling lights.
Pasharaw Mohammad and Kahlid Abdulla were also sentenced for the roles they played in the supply of illegal tobacco while working at both shops.
Abdulla entered guilty pleas for 18 charges, and he was sentenced to six months in custody, suspended for 12 months. He will also have a curfew for 120 days from 6pm to 6am and will have an electronic tag.
Pasharaw Mohammad, who entered guilty pleas to 34 charges, was sentenced to 8 months in custody, suspended for 12 months and will have to complete 100 hours unpaid work.
A financial investigation is now underway under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to ascertain the financial benefit from the criminal activity.
Portsmouth Trading Standards Service has said more details will follow.