County Durham shops ordered to close for selling illegal tobacco

As part of a crackdown on illegal tobacco, we took legal action against ZA-1 Mini Market in Spennymoor and the Spennymoor Mini Market.

Peterlee Magistrates Court heard that our Trading Standards Team found thousands of pounds worth of counterfeit cigarette and tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, at the shops.

Officers visited the premises, alongside another shop which is still being investigated, as part of an enforcement operation.

Products seized

With the help of tobacco detection dog Mostyn and colleagues from Durham Constabulary, the team seized 16,860 cigarettes and 12.25kg tobacco with an illicit market value of around £7,340. Sold lawfully, the equivalent compliant products would be worth around £17,443.

A total of 575 electronic cigarettes, worth between £5,750 and £8,625 on the illicit market, and £1,716 in cash, suspected to represent the proceeds of crime, were also seized.

The court granted closure orders for the Spennymoor stores. In addition, magistrates also extended a closure order in respect of the Yellow Shop in Bishop Auckland, against which an order had been secured on 25 July in relation to the illicit tobacco trade. The extension means that premises will be closed for a further three months.

A warning

Joanne Waller, our head of community protection, said: "Illegal tobacco might not like seem a big deal, but it brings crime and health problems into our communities, often fuelling human trafficking, the sale of drugs, and loan sharks. It also impacts on compliant businesses and makes it easier for children to get hold of cheap tobacco.

"We hope these closures act as a warning to other businesses that we will not tolerate the trade of illegal tobacco in County Durham. We continue to investigate these cases and further action will be taken if necessary."

Partnership operation

PC Matthew Fussey, of Spennymoor Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "We are committed to stamping out illegal activity of this kind which has a huge impact on local businesses and the health of those buying the items.

"This is yet another great example of partnership working on issues that affect our communities and we will continue to respond to concerns raised."