Officers visited two premises as part of the latest operation: Sweet Surprise, 126 Eign Street, Hereford, and Hereford International, 22 Commercial Street, Hereford.

During the operation, officers seized a total of 1,740 cigarettes and 542 nicotine pouches from both premises, with an estimated duty and tax evasion value of £39,661.88. Hereford Magistrates have since granted a maximum three-month closure order against Sweet Surprise. Hereford International has been temporarily closed until a court hearing takes place on Tuesday 7 July. 

Specialist detection dogs from Stu Phillips K9 supported officers during the operation as part of ongoing efforts to identify and remove illegal tobacco products from circulation.

The operation forms part of a wider programme of intelligence-led, multi-agency enforcement activity targeting the sale of illegal tobacco and vaping products across the county.

It follows a series of recent joint operations in Hereford and Leominster.

In June 2026, Trading Standards, West Mercia Police and Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service carried out action at 36 Eign Gate and Kubus, 22 Eign Gate, where officers seized 1,091 packs of cigarettes, 93 pouches of hand-rolling tobacco, and a quantity of cash totalling £3,083.50. Two men were arrested in connection with the investigation and released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Fire safety officers also issued a legal notice stopping the use of a derelict retail property at Eign Gate due to safety concerns.

In May 2026, enforcement activity in Leominster led to the seizure of 441 packs of cigarettes, 57 pouches of hand-rolling tobacco and 75 illegal disposable vapes from two premises. Closure notices were issued under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, with one premises subsequently subject to court proceedings resulting in a closure order.

Across all operations, agencies have highlighted the links between illegal tobacco supply, organised criminal activity, and wider exploitation risks, alongside the undermining of legitimate local businesses.

Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Roads and Regulatory Services, Councillor Barry Durkin, said:

“I’d like to thank our Trading Standards team and West Mercia Police for their continued commitment and professionalism in tackling the illegal tobacco trade in Herefordshire. These latest operations demonstrate the strength of our partnership approach and our determination to take robust action where criminal activity is 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.“

Police Sergeant Duncan Reynolds of the Hereford City Centre Team said:

“Working with our partners we have targeted and seized more black-market tobacco and vaping products that take legitimate sales away from retailers and hamper lawful trade.

“These counterfeit and illicit goods are frequently linked to organised criminal groups and even modern-day slavery. The premises involved often target vulnerable children and teenagers with sales of illicit products that may contribute to crime and ASB across the city.

“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.”

Residents are encouraged to report suspected illegal sales activity to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or online. Find out more on the Council's website.