Four stores that continued to sell illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco were ordered by the court to close for three months after Devon Police in the United Kingdom joined forces with Trading Standards to carry out special enforcement. Drug dogs assisted in the seizure of a large amount of contraband, with a cumulative total of 28 closure orders issued in the area in the last year.
Core Watch:
- ENFORCEMENT ENFORCEMENT: Four stores in Devon, UK, that continued to sell illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco were ordered by the court to cease trading for three months. Drug dogs assisted in the seizure of hidden stock.
- Enforcement basis: Closure order issued by Plymouth Magistrates Court. A cumulative total of 28 commercial and residential closure orders in the last year.
- Social Harm: The stores involved were also linked to modern slavery crimes. Illegal trade impacts regular businesses.
- Official stance: The Inspector emphasized a ‘zero tolerance’ stance. The trade department called it an example of intelligence-driven enforcement.
Tackles Illegal E-Cigarette Market
According to a July 18th BBC report, four stores in Devon, England, were ordered to shut down for selling illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco.
Devon and Cornwall Police said it was successful in outlawing the sale of illegal products in a joint enforcement operation with the South West Trading Standards Center. The operation resulted in the compulsory closure of four stores in the Torbay area for three months, which will be extended if necessary. Police noted that the stores had previously received warnings but continued to operate illegally.
The store closure orders were granted by Plymouth Magistrates Court at a hearing on July 17th. Police added that the stores were hiding large quantities of illegal products during previous inspections assisted by specialist drug dogs.
Inspector Rob Harvey said:
- “The court-ordered closure of four commercial premises on the same day is of great significance and sends a strong signal to businesses – we do not condone illegal sales that jeopardize public health. Our goal is to keep communities safe and respond to people’s concerns. This type of illegal activity is not only detrimental to law-abiding traders, but often involves modern slavery and exploitation crimes.”
Alex Fry, Local Trading Standards Action Manager, adds:
- “This operation is a perfect demonstration of how we can work collaboratively with the police to accurately target rogue traders based on intelligence.”
Police figures show that 28 business and residential premises closure orders have been issued in the last 12 months in Torquay, Newton, Exeter and surrounding areas of South Devon.
