Shiraz Wine Raid: Illegal Tobacco in Lollipop Holders, Kentish Town

Key Points

• Shiraz Wine off-licence in Kentish Town, North London, was raided by Metropolitan Police and Camden Council over illegal tobacco and vape sales.
• Illegal tobacco was found hidden in sweet containers, including lollipop holders, and boxes of whiskey.
• The raid occurred in April 2025 after intelligence reports about illicit trading.
• Owner Mr Naeem Sadegi blamed staff, including his sister-in-law with limited English, for the illicit sales.
• Mr Sadegi became emotional and tearful during council officers’ investigation.
• In September 2025, a sting operation found a shop assistant selling alcohol to an underage girl without ID check.
• Camden Council’s Trading Standards recommends revoking Shiraz Wine’s premises licence to prevent further breaches.

What happened during the raid on Shiraz Wine off-licence in North London?

As reported by the Metropolitan Police and Camden Council, Shiraz Wine, an off-licence in Kentish Town, North London, was raided in April 2025 after police received intelligence regarding illicit trade involving illegal tobacco products. The raid involved the use of sniffer dogs which uncovered illegal tobacco concealed in lollipop holders and sweet containers, as well as vapes hidden in boxes of whiskey. This discovery prompted Camden Council officers to join the Metropolitan Police at the premises to investigate further.

Who is Mr Naeem Sadegi, and what did he say about the illicit trade?

Mr Naeem Sadegi, the owner of Shiraz Wine, was confronted by Camden Council officers about the illegal tobacco and vape sales. According to officers, Mr Sadegi attributed the illicit activities to his staff, specifically mentioning his sister-in-law, who reportedly spoke very little English, implying a lack of oversight or understanding on her part. At one point, Mr Sadegi became visibly emotional and started to cry. However, as noted by one of the investigating officers, “It felt like he was doing this to deflect the issues so that we felt sorry for him” (as reported by Camden Council representatives).

What followed the initial raid in April?

In September 2025, a coordinated sting operation was carried out by the Metropolitan Police alongside Camden Council. During this operation, a shop assistant at Shiraz Wine was caught selling alcohol to a visibly young girl without requesting any form of identity verification. This breach of licensing law added to concerns about the management and operation of the off-licence.

What actions has Camden Council’s Trading Standards taken?

In response to the findings from the raids and sting operation, Camden Council’s Trading Standards department has advocated for the revocation of Shiraz Wine’s premises licence. They argue that the off-licence has repeatedly broken licensing and trading laws, posing harm to the community by facilitating access to illegal tobacco products and allowing underage alcohol sales.

Why is this case important for local communities and law enforcement?

This case highlights ongoing challenges faced by local authorities and the police in regulating and enforcing laws against illicit trade and underage sales in retail premises. The use of creative concealment methods, such as hiding illegal tobacco in lollipop holders and sweet boxes, shows the lengths some retailers may go to evade detection. It also underscores the critical role of cooperation between police and councils in protecting communities from harmful and illegal trading practices.