Two shops shut after illegal tobacco seized

Hundreds of illegal tobacco products have been seized by the council, leading to the closure of two shops.

Herefordshire County Council's trading standards team, working with West Mercia Police, confiscated 1,740 illicit cigarettes and 542 nicotine pouches from Sweet Surprise and Hereford International, both in Hereford.

The haul had an estimated duty and tax evasion value of more than £39,000, the authority said.

A spokesperson added that magistrates had granted a maximum three-month closure order against Sweet Surprise on Eign Street, with Hereford International on Commercial Street also temporarily shut until a court hearing.

The raids follow a number of joint operations across the county in recent months, where other illicit tobacco items were seized by officers.

Specialist detection dogs also supported officers during the operations, the council said.

County councillor Barry Durkin, cabinet member for roads and regulatory services, said it demonstrated the authority's determination to take "robust action" where criminal activity was suspected.

"We will continue to work closely with our partners to protect the public, support legitimate businesses, and ensure that those involved in this activity are held to account," he said.

West Mercia Police's Sgt Duncan Reynolds said counterfeit and illicit goods were frequently linked to organised criminal groups and even modern-day slavery.

"We will continue to visit stores suspected of selling illicit goods such as these to protect our communities from harm and take action wherever necessary," he added.

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