A Shirley shop on Stratford Road has been shut down for good after its owner was caught flogging illegal tobacco and vapes. West Midlands Police confirmed the permanent closure following a court ruling.
Raid Finds Thousands of Illegal Products
Boss Mart 4 was under heavy scrutiny from Solihull’s licensing team, the Shirley neighbourhood squad, and Trading Standards. Their investigation followed multiple failed test purchases and raids that uncovered:
- 4,350 packets of illegal tobacco
- 837 packets of illicit hand-rolling tobacco
- 68 illegal single-use vapes
- 27 suspected fake ‘Labubu’ dolls
- Dangerously stored unlicensed fireworks
After the bust, the landlord stepped in, evicting the owner and staff, clearing out all stock. This move led to the official closure order being dropped.
Owner Slapped with Nearly £7k Fine in Absentia
Dawood Kharoty, the Boss Mart owner, wasn’t even in court when he was sentenced. He faces a hefty £6,749 fine, payable within 28 days. Plus, the court ordered all seized illegal goods to be forfeited.
Police Sound Alarm on Health Hazards and Local Crime
PC Prescott from Solihull Licensing warned: “Selling high-strength vapes and illegal tobacco is extremely dangerous, especially for children and teens in the area. Cheap illegal products lure young people into smoking early, exposing them to exploitation and crime.
“Many illegal vapes contain harmful nicotine levels and heavy metals. Counterfeit tobacco is unregulated, so toxic chemicals go unchecked, damaging public health. These shops also stir up anti-social behaviour locally.”
“If you have information, please call us on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
