Swansea magistrates extend closure for vape shops selling illegal goods

Swansea council issued temporary closure notices (48hrs) against a total of nine shops across the city, as part of a three-day targeted operation against the sale of illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco.
The Council's Trading Standards took the lead on 'Operation Ceecee & Marvel', joined by South Wales Police, HMRC, Home Office Immigration officers, as well as specially trained tobacco dog handlers.
During the three days, officers targeted a total of 14 shops across the city where prior test purchasing had been carried out and successful purchases of illicit products had been completed
Nine of the 14 shops visited were closed for 48hrs while court orders were applied for in a bid to keep them closed for up to three months.
Magistrates in the city have now approved the applications by the council against eight. The owner of the remaining shop premises, closed by the council, has since chosen to close permanently.
During the three days, police also arrested 11 individuals linked to the illegal sales.
Following the raids, 971 packs of cigarettes (£4,855 counterfeit value, £15,000 retail value), 970 packets of hand-rolling tobacco (£19,500 counterfeit value, £39,000 retail value) and 2,292 vapes (£23,000 value) were seized and will now be destroyed.
Five vehicles, used to store illegal goods and linked to the various shops have also been seized.
Andrew Williams, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services (Performance) at Swansea Council, said: "This council is taking the sale of illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco in Swansea very seriously.
"Our Trading Standards Team has made this issue a priority and has been able to gather large amounts of intelligence in terms of which shops in the city have previously been selling illegal goods to consumers, including children.
"I'm delighted that magistrates have supported our applications to extend the closure of eight shops in the city.
"Investigations will now be ongoing linked to a range of offences for the sale of illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco."
Inspector Andrew Hedley, South Wales Police, said: "Counterfeit tobacco and vapes are not only illegal, but they are incredibly dangerous for those who use them.
"These businesses were all given warnings to stop selling these items but disregarded them. They will now face prosecution for various offences as a result."

Shops closed following magistrates' decision
Morriston    Morriston Mini Market    86 Woodfield Street, Morriston, Swansea, Wales, SA6 8BA
Gorseinon    Crystal Vapes    95 High Street, Gorseinon, Swansea, SA4 4BL
Pontardulais    World of Vapes    89 St Teilo Street, Pontarddulais, Swansea, SA4 8SR
City Centre    Bob Marley Vapes    75 St Helen's Rd, Swansea SA1 4BG
City Centre    Asia Vapes    40 St Helen's Rd, Swansea SA1 4AZ
City Centre    Kubus Vapes    31b St Helen's Rd, Swansea SA1 4AP
City Centre    Bob CBD Vapes    29 Union Street, Swansea, SA1 3DW
City Centre    Snoop Vapes    71 High St, Swansea SA1 1LN