Vape shop shut down after raid in South Shields uncovers 5,640 illegal cigarettes hidden in wall

A South Tyneside vape outlet selling illegal products has been shut down by council trading bosses after showing “blatant disregard for the law”.

The Vape Shop in King Street, central South Shields, has been outlawed under a full closure order granted by a court.

An investigation found it was selling illegally branded cigarettes and continued to do so despite numerous warnings.

Matters came to a head on Tuesday, November 11, during a raid by police and the Regional Organised Crime Unit, borough magistrates heard.

Officers found 5,640 illegal cigarettes and 1.25kg of hand rolling tobacco hidden in a wall in a “sophisticated” criminal operation.

But a week later, a tip off revealed the continued trading of illegal products, with a sleeve of 200 cigarettes selling for just £50.

Victoria Molloy, prosecuting for South Tyneside Council, said two further test purchases in February and March also revealed illicit sales.

She said Dana Karim, identified as responsible for the unit’s business rates, had been investigated for similar matters in relation to other premises.

The court heard the outlet began trading in May last year and Mr Karim and SEPI Ltd, the unit’s owner, had been warned but had failed to desist.

Ms Molloy said: “Dana Karim is well known to the local authority and has been involved in the running of other businesses in South Tyneside where illicit tobacco products have been sold and seized.

“In July 2025, trading standards carried out a successful test purchase of a packet of Lambert and Butler cigarettes for £5.

“These cigarettes did not comply with the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, nor with the standardised Packaging of Tobacco Products Regulations 2015.

“A letter of Warning and Advice was sent to Mr Karim and to the owners of the property, SEPI Ltd.

“Despite this, further reports were received that the sale of the illicit tobacco products were continuing.

“On November 11, the Regional Organised Crime Unit, Northumbria Police and a specialist tobacco detection dog, visited.

“Illicit tobacco products were found hidden within the wall opened with a fob which operated the hydraulic system.

“This was found in the storeroom at the rear of the shop and indicates sophistication and planning in terms of culpability.

“In total 5,640 cigarettes and 1.25kg of hand rolling tobacco were seized. All the tobacco products seized were found to be illegal.”

Ms Molloy said on Tuesday, November 18, The Vape Shop was found to be charging £50 for a sleeve of 200 cigarettes.

She added: “Despite these interventions, it has refused to cease its criminal activity.

“The Vape Shop, and in particular Mr Karim, have a blatant disregard for the law in that regard. These activities pose a serious health risk to the public.

“It is the view of the local authority that unless a closure order in relation to the premises is made, that this criminal activity will not stop.

“It will continue to cause harm to those buying the products and nuisance to the general public and local businesses.”

Magistrates granted a full closure order and ordered Mr Karim and SEPI Ltd to pay £1,200 costs between them.