A Chester business owner has been fined over £7,500 for hiding illegal tobacco.

Saman Kaderi, director of SamK Foods Limited, which trades as Kubus Mini Market, has been charged with four offences relating to the possession of illegal cigarettes.

The 46-year-old was sentenced at Chester Magistrates Court on Wednesday 20 August 2025.

In June 2023, officers attended Kubus Mini Market on Frodsham Street for a further inspection, following an earlier test purchase which had raised suspicions.

Upon entry to the shop, the officers noted that the shop assistant was immediately trying to hide an object in his hand. 

The object proved to be an electronic remote fob, which when pressed opened a shutter. It revealed a concealed space behind the till containing a large quantity of cigarettes.

The premises were searched, and illegal cigarettes and tobacco were seized. 

The goods included cigarettes without the required health warnings and counterfeit cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco.

SamK Foods Limited has now been fined £4,000, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £1,600 and costs of £1000.

Kaderi was fined £107, ordered to pay a victime surcharge £42.80, and costs of £817 - making a total of £7,566.80 to be paid within six months.

"Illegal tobacco supports other criminal activity and has many damaging effects on our local communities, as well as increased health risks," said Councillor Stuart Bingham.

"People may be tempted by the cheap price tag, but it's worth considering the great cost to your health, safety and community."

The Council and its partner Brio Leisure have a stop smoking service for anyone in the borough who needs support. 

For more information and support visit www.cheshirechangehub.org, email at [email protected] or call on 0300 777 0033.