A trader has pleaded guilty in court to possessing thousands of illegal disposable vapes with the intent to supply in Dagenham.
On 15 July 2025, at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court, Mr Farhad Fahmi Hussein of Downland Drive, Hove, BN3 8GL, admitted to possessing 3,736 illegal and oversized disposable vapes in breach of Regulation 36 of the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016.
The seizure, which took place on 15 May 2024 at Dubai Shisha at 633 Rainham Road South, RM10 8AH, saw Trading Standards Officers from Barking and Dagenham Council find products offering up to 10,000 puffs — far exceeding the UK legal limit of 600 puffs or a 2ml tank capacity. The haul had an estimated retail value of £44,832.
As a result of his guilty plea, the Magistrate ordered Mr Hussein to pay:
- Fine: £326
- Victim Surcharge: £130
- Costs to Barking and Dagenham Council: £1,100
- Total Penalty: £1,556
This is not the first time Mr Hussein has been caught selling illegal vapes. The shop is still operating, but If further breaches are found, a closure order will be considered.
Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “Illegal vapes pose serious health risks and undermine efforts to regulate the market for the safety of consumers — especially young people. We will continue to take firm action against traders who flout the law.
“Repeat offenders risk not only prosecution but also the closure of their businesses."