Illegal vapes hidden inside confectionary boxes and counterfeit tobacco were seized in a trading standards crackdown in Skipton.
The products were hidden inside a shop in Sackville Street, Skipton, and included vapes disguised in confectionery boxes, some containing enough nicotine liquid for 15,000 puffs—far exceeding the average of 600.
Trading standards officers discovered the items during an investigation at Lewiatan, a convenience store on Sackville Street.
A general view inside the Lewiatan shop in Skipton. Both the company which runs the shop, Lewiatan Ltd, and two of its directors faced numerous charges at York Magistrates’ Court
(Image: North Yorkshire Council)
Cllr Richard Foster, executive member for managing the environment at North Yorkshire Council, said: "This shop has shown a blatant disregard for the law, putting profit ahead of public safety.
"I want to commend the trading standards officers and partner agencies who have worked hard to bring this case before the courts.
"Selling illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco poses serious risks to people’s health, particularly to young people, and helps fund organised criminal activity.
"We will continue to take firm action against businesses that break the law and threaten the safety of our communities."
The shop’s alcohol licence was revoked in March 2026 following concerns raised by trading standards officers and North Yorkshire Police about crime, public safety, and the protection of children.
Lewiatan Ltd, which operates the store, and two of its directors, Shahram Sharifi and Araf Fathi, faced multiple charges at York Magistrates’ Court on August 19 related to the supply of illegal vapes and counterfeit cigarettes.
Mr Sharifi, 37, of Western Road, Skipton, was a director at Lewiatan from November 2018 until June 14, 2024.
In March 2024, trading standards officers found 61 vapes containing more than the legal limit of two millilitres of nicotine liquid, along with 77 vapes that failed to meet labelling requirements.
They also discovered six packets of counterfeit tobacco, 14 that breached labelling rules, and 11 that did not comply with packaging regulations.
The illegal vapes were found hidden in confectionery boxes on the shop floor, while the tobacco products were located in a rear storage area.
After Mr Fathi, 33, of Greatwood Avenue, Skipton, became director on June 14, 2024, trading standards continued to receive complaints about the store.
Despite a formal warning, further illegal vapes and tobacco were seized during visits in September and October 2025, the latter involving North Yorkshire Police officers.
Mr Fathi and Lewiatan Ltd were charged with possession to supply 553 vapes containing more than two millilitres of nicotine liquid and 777 vapes that breached labelling and dosage rules.
They also faced charges for possessing counterfeit tobacco products for sale.
Mr Sharifi, now working at a shop in Manchester, pleaded guilty to offences related to counterfeit tobacco, packaging breaches, and illegal vapes.
He was fined £461 and ordered to pay a £184 surcharge and £1,500 in prosecution costs.
Mr Fathi, who has since moved to St Helens, Merseyside, pleaded guilty to similar offences.
He was fined £384 and ordered to pay a £154 surcharge and £500 towards prosecution costs.
Lewiatan Ltd admitted all charges and was fined £5,000, with a £2,000 surcharge and £1,000 in costs.
Cllr Derek Bastiman, chair of North Yorkshire Council’s statutory licensing committee, said: "Businesses that sell illegal vapes or counterfeit tobacco, particularly when concealing them in a way that makes them attractive or accessible to children, can expect robust action to be taken against them.
"I hope this case sends a clear message that those who break the law and put public safety at risk will be held to account."
Inspector Paul Crabtree of the Craven Neighbourhood Policing Team said that removing illegal vapes from circulation is a priority for community partners in Skipton.
He said: "We have first-hand experience of them ending up in the hands of children, with some even requiring hospital treatment.
"Together with North Yorkshire Council’s trading standards team, we will continue to do all we can to keep people safe from illegal vapes and tobacco."
The council and police have said they will continue working together to target businesses selling illegal products and protect public health.