A shop on Stratford Road in Shirley has been forced to close after its owner was sentenced over selling illegal tobacco and vapes. West Midlands Police confirmed the permanent shutdown following a court ruling.
Raid Uncovers Thousands of Illegal Goods
Solihull’s licensing team, the Shirley neighbourhood squad, and Trading Standards have been investigating Boss Mart 4 amid a string of test purchase failures and seizures. The authorities confiscated:
- 4,350 packets of illegal tobacco
- 837 packets of illicit hand-rolling tobacco
- 68 illegal single-use vapes
- 27 suspected counterfeit ‘Labubu’ dolls
- Unlicensed fireworks are stored dangerously
The landlord stepped in, evicting the owner and staff and removing all stock. This led to the withdrawal of a formal closure order.
Owner Fined Nearly £7k in Absentia
Dawood Kharoty, the owner of Boss Mart, was sentenced without being present in court. He faces fines totalling £6,749 to be paid within 28 days. The court also ordered the forfeiture of all seized illegal products.
Police Warn of Serious Health Risks and Community Harm
PC Prescott from Solihull Licensing said: “Selling high-strength vapes and illegal tobacco poses serious health risks, especially to children and young people in the area. Low-priced illegal products tempt youngsters to start smoking early and risk exploitation and criminal involvement.
“Many illegal vapes contain hazardous levels of nicotine and heavy metals. Counterfeit tobacco’s unregulated production means dangerous chemicals go unchecked, harming public health. Shops selling these products also fuel anti-social behaviour locally.”
“We urge anyone with information to contact us on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
