An illegal tobacco operation Portsmouth Trading Standards uncovered has resulted in three men receiving sentences at Portsmouth Crown Court. The convictions followed extensive investigations into two city businesses selling counterfeit tobacco products worth thousands of pounds.
Bestun Ibrahim Mohammad received a 16-month prison sentence on 4 November 2025, whilst Pasharaw Mohammad and Khalid Abdulla were given suspended jail terms for their involvement in the illicit trade.
Operation details
The illegal tobacco operation Portsmouth authorities dismantled operated from Five Star Shisha on Kingston Road, North End, and Charlotte Mini Market on Charlotte Street in the city centre. Offenders employed sophisticated concealment techniques, including an electromagnetic ceiling hatch hidden behind a light fitting, with stock later moved to a vehicle parked nearby.
Portsmouth Trading Standards officers conducted multiple covert test purchases, ultimately seizing counterfeit tobacco products valued at £37,000. Mohammad, as registered owner and director of both establishments throughout most of the offending period, received the custodial sentence after expanding operations to a second premises despite prior warnings.
Pasharaw Mohammad, who worked at both locations, was captured on secret filming selling the contraband and using his vehicle for storage. He received an eight-month suspended sentence with 100 hours of unpaid work.
Khalid Abdulla served as director for both shops briefly and was also recorded selling fake tobacco. His sentence comprised six months suspended custody, a 120-day curfew, and electronic monitoring.
Court proceedings
At an earlier hearing, Bestun Mohammad and Pasharaw Mohammad admitted 34 charges, whilst Khalid Abdulla pleaded guilty to 18 charges relating to illegal tobacco sales.
Cllr Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure and Sport, commented: “This sentencing, particularly the immediate custody for the owner, demonstrates how seriously courts treat these offences. Fake tobacco presents real dangers as it typically contains elevated levels of toxic chemicals.
“The council supports legitimate retailers whose businesses suffer from this criminal activity. This outcome should warn potential offenders they will face prosecution.”
Financial investigators are now examining the case under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to determine the criminal proceeds.
Portsmouth residents suspecting retailers of selling illegal tobacco or vapes can email trading.standards@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or report anonymously by calling 0300 999 6 999 or visiting www.stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk.
The council’s wellbeing service offers free smoking cessation support for Portsmouth residents at www.wellbeingportsmouth.co.uk or 023 9229 4001.
