The Quick Pick Store in County Durham has been forced to close following a raid that uncovered over £16,000 worth of illegal tobacco products and non-compliant vapes. The closure order, issued by Durham County Council and supported by Durham Constabulary, highlights ongoing efforts to combat the illegal trade in the region.
Discovery of Hidden Stockpile Behind False Wall
The raid revealed a hidden stash of illegal goods concealed behind a false wall within the store. Durham County Council’s regulatory team executed a warrant of entry and uncovered:
- 10,060 illegal cigarettes
- 15.25 kg of hand-rolling tobacco
- 852 non-compliant disposable vapes
The illicit market value of the seized items totaled £16,211, a significant blow to the underground trade.
Gary Carr, Durham County Council’s strategic regulation manager, explained, “This seizure underscores the lengths some businesses go to in concealing illegal activities. These items don’t just undercut legitimate businesses; they also pose serious health risks and contribute to broader criminal enterprises.”
The Court’s Decision: A Clear Warning
Following the raid, magistrates granted a three-month closure order on the Quick Pick Store, effective until February 2025. In addition to the closure, the store was ordered to pay £1,709 in costs.
Durham County Council hopes this decisive action will send a strong message. “We will not tolerate the sale of illegal tobacco and related products in our communities,” Carr emphasized.
The Broader Impact of Illegal Tobacco Trade
Illegal tobacco is more than just an issue of regulatory non-compliance. It has far-reaching effects on public health, local businesses, and even criminal networks. Gary Carr outlined the wider implications:
- Criminal Activity: The illegal trade is often linked to human trafficking, the drug trade, and loan sharks.
- Youth Access: Cheaper illegal products make it easier for underage individuals to access tobacco.
- Economic Damage: Legitimate businesses suffer as they compete with cut-rate, untaxed products.
The council also highlighted the importance of community involvement in tackling these issues. Intelligence from residents played a critical role in the successful raid.
Community Intelligence as a Tool for Enforcement
Durham County Council has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicions of illegal activity. The Quick Pick Store raid is an example of how local intelligence can lead to impactful enforcement actions.
“We’d like to thank the community for their support. Without their tips, operations like this would be much harder to carry out,” Carr said. The council has encouraged anyone with information about illegal tobacco or vape sales to come forward, assuring that all reports will be investigated thoroughly.
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