**Cardiff Shop Owner Sentenced for Selling Illegal Tobacco and E-Cigarettes Alongside Health and Safety Breaches**
A Cardiff shopkeeper has been hit with a hefty financial penalty after authorities discovered illegal tobacco and e-cigarette products for sale at his premises, as well as serious health and safety issues that posed an immediate risk to members of the public. The case highlights concerns over illegal goods circulation in local communities and the importance of regulatory adherence by small businesses.
Sirwan Nuri Kadri, aged 37, who owns ‘Best One Vape’ on Clifton Street, found himself before Newport Magistrates’ Court on 29 April. Kadri faced five charges related to the sale of illegal tobacco and e-cigarettes, offences to which he had previously pleaded guilty in January. Magistrates also considered two additional breaches connected to dangerous health and safety conditions inside the store.
One of the most alarming violations was the discovery of live electrical wires protruding from the back wall of the establishment. These exposed cables presented a severe hazard, heightening fears not only about the unsafe retail of banned goods, but also about the physical dangers to both staff and customers within the site.
The inquiry began after Cardiff authorities received complaints alleging that Best One Vape was trading in illicit tobacco and unauthorised vape products. Following these reports, officers from Shared Regulatory Services (SRS) launched an inspection which unearthed the infractions. This was far from the first time the shop had attracted official attention, as it had only recently reopened after being issued with a three-month closure order in late 2024 related to anti-social behaviour and contraband goods.
Councillor Norma Mackie, Cabinet member responsible for Shared Regulatory Services, reflected on the findings, stating, “Problems at this business are not new to us. Shutting it down last November was unfortunately not the end of the matter. It is concerning that the dangers extend from illegal sales to hazardous shop conditions, with issues such as live electricals which could have resulted in life-threatening incidents.”
After the hazardous wiring was found, regulatory officers gave the shop an improvement notice, warning Kadri that failure to address the problem could result in a prohibition order, forcing closure on grounds of public safety. While subsequent visits confirmed the wires were no longer visible, the business failed to submit evidence that the electrical faults had been remedied to an acceptable standard by a qualified professional, further undermining confidence in the owner’s commitment to compliance.
The eventual sentencing saw Best One Vape Ltd handed a £4,000 fine for health and safety offences, while the trading of illegal tobacco and vaping products attracted a further £5,000 penalty. Kadri, in his personal capacity, was separately fined £1,400 for trading offences. Additional costs, including prosecution expenses and victim surcharges, brought the total amount payable to thousands of pounds.
A forfeiture order was also granted by the court, ensuring that all confiscated illegal products will be destroyed. The council stressed that such measures are vital, both to safeguard the public and to maintain confidence in local regulatory enforcement. Councillor Mackie underscored, “Health and safety regulations are not arbitrary. Businesses must play their part to keep workers and customers free from harm. Any breaches will be thoroughly pursued and prosecuted when necessary.”
For Cardiff’s local community, the case serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and report any suspicions around unsafe or illegal trading activity. Authorities continue to promote awareness, urging residents to come forward with concerns about shops that might be putting profit before people’s welfare.
As part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance, Shared Regulatory Services emphasised that repeat offenders can expect ever stricter sanctions, including further closures and stiffer fines. The crackdown on illegal vaping and tobacco sales is one strand of a wider programme to improve health standards and clamp down on counterfeiting and illicit distribution across the city.