Rawa Kader Ahmed, the sole Director of Bilbas Ltd, was prosecuted at Portsmouth Crown Court on 12 March 2025 for serious breaches of trading laws, including selling alcohol to a minor and the fraudulent evasion of duty on tobacco products. He was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months.
Ahmed, who is the former Director of Worthing News Ltd, previously faced Trading Standards action in 2017 for selling illicit tobacco and age-restricted products to minors. Despite prosecution at that time, Ahmed carried on his activities through Bilbas Ltd at the shop in Littlehampton.
Ahmed was found guilty under section 170(2) of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 for knowingly being involved in the fraudulent evasion of duty on tobacco products. This illegal activity took place between July 21 2022 and March 30 2023 at Pop In, 14 High Street, Littlehampton, West Sussex.
The 31-year-old was also charged under section 146(1) of the Licensing Act 2003 after a trading standards undercover operation on November 23 2022 at Pop In. During the operation, two cans of Gordon’s Pink Gin & Tonic, each with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5%, were sold to a child under the age of 18. Trading Standards’ investigation found that Ahmed, as Director of Bilbas Ltd, had neglected his responsibilities, leading to the offence.
Ahmed was sentenced to 100 hours unpaid community work and his company Bilbas Ltd fined £2000. He was also disqualified from being a director for 5 years.
Full costs were awarded of £4870.56 to be paid in 28 days. Forfeiture and destruction of the illicit tobacco was also ordered. During sentencing, the Judge commented that Ahmed showed no remorse and was incapable of telling the truth.
Legal action prevents Pop In from reopening
Following Ahmed’s prosecution, further legal action was taken to prevent Pop In from reopening. Mr. Jihad Nawzad Hamed, who had sought to regain possession of the premises, applied for an injunction at Worthing County Court. However, Bate and Albon Solicitors on behalf of the landlord defended the case, relying heavily on evidence from Trading Standards.
The court dismissed Hamed’s injunction request after concerns were raised over the accuracy of his statements regarding his involvement in the sale of illicit tobacco. The judge also awarded the landlord £4,008 in costs. This decision ensures that Pop In will remain closed until his application for relief from forfeiture can be heard by the Court, preventing further illegal activity in the interim.
Cllr Duncan Crow, West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, said: “This prosecution sends a clear message that West Sussex County Council will not accept the illegal sale of age-restricted and duty-evaded products. Illegal tobacco and alcohol have devastating consequences, particularly for children and vulnerable residents.
“These practices undermine community trust, harm public health and put children at risk. I commend the hard work of our Trading Standards team in holding individuals and businesses accountable and protecting residents.”
The case forms part of a nationwide crackdown on illegal tobacco and vaping products. Recent figures reveal that 1.19 million illegal vapes were seized by Trading Standards between 2023 and 2024, marking a 59% increase from the previous year. Additionally, 46 million illicit cigarettes and over 12,600kg of hand-rolling tobacco have been confiscated in the last three years.
These efforts highlight the ongoing fight to protect public health, safeguard children and keep people safe from vulnerable situations in line with our Council Plan.
