Three men have been sentenced over an illegal tobacco operation uncovered by Portsmouth City Council’s Trading Standards.
Bestun Ibrahim Mohammad, pictured, was jailed for 16 months, while Pasharaw Mohammad and Khalid Abdulla were handed suspended prison sentences at Portsmouth Crown Court on 4 November 2025.
Offending took place across two Portsmouth businesses; Five Star Shisha on Kingston Road, North End and Charlotte Mini Market on Charlotte Street in the city centre.
Advanced methods were used to conceal the illicit goods, including an electromagnetic hatch in the ceiling behind a light fitting, and later storing goods in a vehicle parked near the shop.
Portsmouth’s Trading Standards team carried out numerous undercover test purchases and seized significant amounts of fake tobacco valued at £37,000.
Bestun Ibrahim Mohammad played a leading role as the registered owner and director for both shops throughout most of the offending period. Despite being warned, he expanded the criminal operation to a second premises. He was handed an immediate custodial sentence of 16 months.
Pasharaw Mohammad had a significant role working in both shops, found to be selling the tobacco in secret filming and using his vehicle to conceal the goods. He was sentenced to eight months in custody, suspended for 12 months and will have to complete 100 hours unpaid work.
Khalid Abdulla also had a significant role as a director of both shops for a shorter period and was also found to be selling the fake tobacco. He was sentenced to six months in custody, suspended for 12 months, and given a 120-day curfew and will have an electronic tag.
At an earlier hearing Bestun Mohammad and Pasharaw Mohammad both pleaded guilty to 34 charges and Mr Kahlid Abdulla pleaded guilty to 18 charges, all related to the sale of illegal tobacco.
Cllr Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure and Sport, said:
“This sentencing, particularly the owner going straight to prison, reflects the seriousness of the offending and how dangerous fake tobacco is, because it often has higher amounts of toxic chemicals.
“The Council is on the side of honest shopkeepers whose trade is damaged by this illegal activity, and this positive outcome should serve as a warning that those responsible will be brought to justice.”
A financial investigation is now underway under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to ascertain the financial benefit from the criminal activity.
- Residents who suspect any retailers in Portsmouth of selling illegal tobacco and vapes can report them either by emailing 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 provides free support to help Portsmouth residents to stop smoking. If you would like to know more visit www.wellbeingportsmouth.co.uk or call 023 9229 4001.