Woolwich town centre shop fined for selling illegal products

A shop in Woolwich town centre will pay fines and costs of £26,570 after being found selling illegal vapes and tobacco.

AFG Mobile Repairs on Thomas Street was visited four times by staff from Greenwich Council.

On one occasion in November 2024 the shop was revisited with 253 illegal vapes and 269 tobacco products discovered. According to Greenwich Council “The staff member present said that the products were awaiting collection and were not for sale.”

Later that year in December 2024 a test purchaser bought an illegal vape from the business. A total of 22 illegal vapes and 55 illegal tobacco products were seized. Business owner Shazwan Safi claimed he had not been aware of these goods being on his premises.

In April 2025 the shop was revisited and and “95 illegal vapes and 79 smokeless tobacco products were found in a bag in an alcove and under floor panelling. All the items were seized.”

Court

The fine and costs totalling £26,570 were issued at Bexley Magistrates Court.

Cllr Rachel Taggart-Ryan, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement said: “This hefty fine is a positive result for the council, indicating the seriousness of the offence.

“The products found not only failed to follow trading standards guidance but have the potential to damage our residents’ health. It’s unacceptable for businesses to possess and hide these dangerous products and we will not come down lightly on them.

“Our Trading Standards team will continue to visit local businesses and provide advice to remove as many unsafe products as possible, making our borough safer.”