A shop has been closed down by authorities after a court heard there was "repeated criminality and nuisance associated with the premises". During one enforcement inspection, illicit cigarettes were discovered inside a Snickers box. The Argyle Mini Market is situated at 72a Argyle Street, Birkenhead, and is connected to a company called Northwich Mini Market Ltd, whose sole director is Heiwa Salah Ahmed, according to reports.

Wirral Magistrates Court heard on Thursday that on February 26, Merseyside Police discovered "hand rolled tobacco and a quantity of illegal cigarettes". On March 2, Wirral Council's trading standards department conducted a test purchase and were sold counterfeit Lambert and Butler cigarettes.

During another visit on March 13, a search of the shop found on the floor behind the counter "contained in a Snickers box 36 packets of cigarettes", the Liverpool Echo reported.

Presenting their case, Andrea Fitzgerald, representing Wirral Council, said: "Three enforcement visits in two months. One sale of illegal tobacco. Two seizures of illegal tobacco and obfuscation in providing information to the authorities."

She pointed to a number of businesses that have been associated with Mr Ahmed, including Hereford International Shop Ltd. This company ran a shop in Hereford, which had six test purchases carried out by authorities there and a closure order was granted in July 2025.

At his Vape Zone shop in Neath, Wales, trading standards officers "conducted test purchases and were sold illegal cigarettes and illegal vapes" in 2023. Describing Mr Ahmed as "a very busy chap", the council prosecution told the court that test purchases had also been conducted at the Zag Mini Market in Goole, the Echo reported.

Robert Edwardson, team leader for Wirral Council's trading standards service, said an inspection of the Birkenhead premises had taken place when serving the notice, yet no illegal goods were uncovered. But pointing to the companies connected to Mr Ahmed, he said: "There's a history of them being engaged in the supply of illegal tobacco products."

He argued the closure order "is absolutely necessary to prevent any future anti-social behaviour", adding: "If we do not get one, I am absolutely of the belief that criminal nuisance will continue."

The court additionally heard a statement from police officer Jonathan Wilson who said there was "repeated criminality and nuisance associated with the premises and the closure order is required to prevent criminal nuisance from occurring".

Wirral Magistrates' Court subsequently imposed a three-month closure order on the business.

Earlier proceedings saw Wirral Council successfully obtain a closure order against West Kirby's first vape shop, according to the Echo. A separate case has been adjourned until April.