Katanning’s Act Convenience and Groceries Store alleged illegal tobacco operation co-accused to fight charges

The two co-accused alleged to have a hand in an alleged illegal tobacco operation at Katanning’s main street convenience store, that was uncovered in a police raid last year, will fight the charges. Zana Ali Qadir Siyan, 37, appeared in Katanning Magistrates Court on March 24 charged with unlawful possession of a controlled or prescription drug, and delivering goods marked as tobacco products without obtaining purchaser details. Mr Siyan had entered an endorsed not guilty plea to the possession charge on July 1, 2025. He was convicted under section 55 on January 20, when he did not show up to his appearance without explanation or organising legal representation. Lawyer Ken Bates appeared via audio link for the co-accused Tandin Phurpa. The 28-year-old is charged with possession of stolen or unlawfully obtained property, unlawful manufacture or supply of prescription drug, and sold tobacco product by way of retail sale with authority. Mr Bates pleaded not guilty to the possession charge on behalf of Mr Phurpa, who had already entered an endorsed not guilty plea to the other two matters on July 1, 2025. A police raid at the Act Convenience and Groceries Store in Katanning on June 4, 2025, allegedly uncovered 58,901 cigarettes, 2.35kg of illicit tobacco, 104 nicotine vapes, 25g of nicotine and $6972.05 cash. The allegedly illegal sales occurred between March 21 and June 4 last year. It is alleged Mr Phurpa had a part in the unlawful possession, supply, and sale of the tobacco products. Mr Siyan is accused of delivering the products to the convenience store without checking the details of the purchaser to ensure legal sale. In his July 22, 2025 appearance, Mr Siyan told the court that he may not have gotten all the retailers details but assumed it would have been fine. The third co-accused Azooz Al Naimi, 38, was sentenced under section 55 in Katanning Magistrates Court on January 20 for selling a tobacco product by way of retail sale without the authority of a retailer’s licence. Al Naimi had told the court during a previous appearance on July 22 last year, that he did not have time to retain the required retailer’s licence because he was travelling back and forth from Thailand for his wedding arrangements. He was fined $7000 plus $308.80 in costs and was ordered to forfeit the items to police. Mr Phurpa and Mr Siyan will next appear for a two-day trial on November 16 and 18 in Katanning Magistrates Court.