A Chester shop has been closed down following persistent sales of illicit tobacco.

Kubus Mini Market on Frodsham Street received a visit last week from officers at Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire Police, Immigration and HM Revenue and Customs

Using a tobacco detection dog, officers discovered illegal goods behind a false wall and in hidden compartments.

The council has since closed the store, marking its first closure after previous visits resulted in significant fines.

In August 2025, Saman Kaderi, director of SamK Foods Limited, which trades as Kubus Mini Market, was charged with four offences relating to the possession of illegal cigarettes.

At the time, the business was 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.

It followed a visit by officers in June 2023, after an earlier test purchase had raised suspicions.

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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.

Councillor Stuart Bingham said: "We will continue to close businesses that are repeatedly selling illegal tobacco, illegal vapes and age-restricted products. They are a danger to our communities and also undermine responsible traders.

"Illegal tobacco and vapes are often linked to wider criminality and can be sold without the safety checks and standards expected of legitimate products.

"These businesses will not be tolerated in Cheshire West and Chester. We will continue to take robust action to protect residents, particularly young people, from harm."

Anyone with information about the sale of illegal tobacco, illicit vapes or other age-restricted products can report concerns through the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133.