Exmouth shops forced to close after tobacco raids

Hundreds of thousand of pounds worth of good seized

Two shops in Exmouth have been ordered to close for three months after illicit tobacco and vape products possible worth hundreds of thousands of pounds were seized .

International Mini Market on the Strand and European Shop on the Parade, both in the town centre, were found to have been selling counterfeit goods and selling vapes to children.

They were initially served with 48-hour closure notices last Wednesday following action by the police working with Trading Standards.

The following day Exeter Magistrates Court granted full closure orders, meaning they can't trade again for three months.

Evidence was shown that the shops had been selling illegal vapes, and supplying vapes to children following test purchase operations over the last year.

Since the start of the operation, officers have seized illegal and counterfeit tobacco products, vapes and cash from the two shops, expected to be worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Inspector Mat Helm, who heads neighbourhood in Exmouth, said: “These shops have persistently stocked and sold illegal cigarettes and vapes, so we are pleased to get these closure orders in place to prevent further sales of potentially dangerous tobacco and vape products.

“Profits from criminal enterprises are often linked to organised crime groups. So, by taking them off of the streets, we’re able to protect our communities from unregulated products while also disrupting a wider network of criminal activity that can include the exploitation of vulnerable people.

“I’d like to thank members of the public who reported concerns to us. The information we receive in the form of intelligence really does make a difference in our investigations and I’d encourage anyone with concerns about businesses that may be operating illegally to contact us.”

Alex Fry, operations manager for Heart of South West Trading Standards said: "We use detection dogs as we are finding that criminals are using increasingly elaborate methods to hide illegal tobacco, such as behind specially constructed hidden panels and in ceilings above insulation tiles.

“But regardless of where it is hidden the dogs can sniff out even small quantities of tobacco.

“This is a great example of how we have worked with our partners in Devon and Cornwall Police to act on intelligence and target unscrupulous sellers.”

To report concerns of counterfeit goods, contact Trading Standards via email: tradingstandards@devon.gov.uk or phone 01392 383000.

Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111, or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org