Two jailed following Swansea Council prosecution over illegal tobacco operation

Rekawt Abdul, aged 29, of no fixed abode was sentenced to three years in prison and Mohamed Saifadin Mohamed, aged 26, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to two years in prison after the case concluded at court recently.

The result forms part of Swansea Council's ongoing work to tackle businesses involved in the sale of counterfeit tobacco, illegal cigarettes and unlawful vape products.

The prosecution followed investigations linked to Swansea Market, 17 St Helens Road, where officers had identified long-running issues involving the sale of illegal vapes and tobacco.

During visits and warrants carried out by Swansea Council Trading Standards officers, supported by police, large quantities of counterfeit, illicit and non-duty-paid tobacco products were recovered.

In November 2025, officers found 360 packets of cigarettes and 632 pouches of tobacco at Swansea Market. The products had an estimated retail value of £31,040.

In June 2026, a warrant was executed at a first-floor flat at 19 St Helens Road following intelligence that tobacco was being stored there and supplied to staff at Swansea Market. Officers recovered more than 9,000 packets of cigarettes, 153 pouches of tobacco and 36 THC vapes, with an estimated retail value of £153,008.

All cigarettes and tobacco examined were found to be counterfeit, illicit or non-duty-paid, meaning they could not legally be sold in the UK.

Cllr Andrew Williams, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Development, said: "This successful prosecution sends a strong message that Swansea Council will not tolerate businesses or individuals involved in the sale and supply of counterfeit tobacco or illegal vape products.

"These products can undermine legitimate businesses, fuel wider criminality and put people at risk. Our Trading Standards team will continue working with partners to identify offenders, close down illegal operations and take robust action through the courts wherever necessary."