A shop has been fined after more than 800 packs of illegal cigarettes, tobacco and shisha products were seized.

The products at Nour Damascus, High Road, Willesden, did not meet national standards and were deemed a health risk.

Appearing at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on February 15, director Mohamad Rafat Kunbus pleaded guilty to supplying tobacco products not carrying the required health warnings.

More than 800 packs of illegal cigarettes, tobacco and shisha products were seized from the shop.

The magistrates highlighted the persistent reluctance of the defendant, 39, to engage with Brent Council.

They fined both the company and director a total of £4,656 in costs and ordered him a victim surcharge.

Cllr Harbi Farah, cabinet member for safer communities and public protection, said: "Tobacco products that do not follow national standards are even worse for your health because there is no way of knowing what has been put in them and nor do they contain the legal warnings to deter smokers.

“So I would like to thank our trading standards team for their work in seizing the illegal products and bringing this business to justice."