Trader who sold illegal vapes jailed

A MAN has been jailed after he was caught selling thousands of pounds' worth of illegal vapes and cigarettes.

- ROBERT HARRIES

Peshawa Zada, 24 and originally from Iran, began running Bob Marley Vapes in St Helen's Road, Swansea, in 2023.

Before long the shop was being raided by officers from Swansea council who seized illegal items that were being sold on the premises. This came to light after Zada was previously caught hiding thousands of cigarettes along with pouches of tobacco in wheelie bins at store he ran in Hull.

The Western Mail had previously carried out an investigation into Bob Marley Vapes and its owner during which an undercover reporter was sold a Chinese-made vape boasting a tank capacity of 10ml - far above the 2ml legal limit meant to protect users from excessive nicotine intake, and packs of counterfeit cigarettes.

Having pleaded guilty to a string of offences, including participating in a fraudulent business, offering for sale goods bearing false trademarks, and supplying electronic cigarettes and tobacco products that breached regulations, Zada appeared to be sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday.