On Sunday 17 May, officers conducted raids at The Vape Shop, 49c West Street, and Leo Sweet Surprise, 3 Black Swan Walk, Leominster, following intelligence and ongoing investigations into the sale of illegal tobacco products and disposable vapes.

During the operation, officers seized 441 packs of cigarettes, 57 pouches of hand rolling tobacco, and 75 illegal disposable vapes.

Both premises were issued with closure notices under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

On Tuesday 19 May, Hereford Magistrates Court granted a three-month Closure Order for The Vape Shop at 49c West Street after the application was uncontested. This is the maximum period allowed under the current legislation.

A representative for Leo Sweet Surprise attended court and contested the application. The matter has been adjourned for a full hearing on Tuesday 26 May. The premises will remain closed pending the outcome of the hearing.

The enforcement activity forms part of ongoing work by Herefordshire Council Trading Standards and West Mercia Police to tackle the illegal tobacco trade and the sale of illicit vaping products, particularly those being sold to children and young people.

Police officers supported Trading Standards teams throughout the operation, demonstrating the strong partnership working between the Council and police in tackling organised crime and protecting local communities.

The Leominster operation comes amid a national crackdown on illegal high street activity linked to the sale of illicit items and other criminality, following the Government’s announcement of a new unit within the National Crime Agency to strengthen enforcement activity.

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

“Herefordshire Council Trading Standards and West Mercia Police will continue to work together to tackle activity associated with the illegal tobacco and the illicit vape trade.

“These activities are a blight on our high streets, undermine legitimate businesses and can expose residents, including children and young people, to unsafe and illegal products.

“This operation demonstrates the strength of partnership working between the council and police, and sends a clear message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated in Herefordshire.”

Police Sergeant Duncan Reynolds of the Hereford town centre team said:

“The black market of illegal products takes revenue away from the legitimate sales of legal tobacco and vapes and prevents additional sales for law-abiding retailers.

“Furthermore, these counterfeit and illicit items are often linked to organised criminal gangs and modern-day slavery.

“We will continue working with partners to visit stores suspected of selling counterfeit tobacco and illicit vaping products to shield our communities from harm and act where appropriate.”