Chaudhary Rahman
Possession and supply of illicit goods *
Sentence
10 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 2 years; 80 hours unpaid work; £1,400 fine
Chaudhary Rahman, a 41-year-old shop owner of Chapel Convenience, Star Convenience, and Oceans Eleven on Railway Road in Leigh, was found in possession of 5,100 packs of illicit cigarettes and 1,300 illicit vapes valued at around £66,000 in September 2023. The items lacked necessary packaging, signage, and health warnings, with vapes exceeding the 2ml tank volume limit and missing correct batch numbers. Greater Manchester Police discovered the goods, leading to prosecution by Wigan Council’s Trading Standards.
Pleaded guilty to six charges relating to possession of illicit goods. Sentences were concurrent and suspended for two years, meaning no prison time unless another offence is committed within that period.