Seven shops shut in Peterborough and Whittlesey due to illegal sales
Businesses targeted for illicit tobacco, alcohol, and non-compliant vapes
Seven businesses in Peterborough and Whittlesey have been shut down due to breaches of laws regarding money laundering and the selling of illegal goods.
The shops were found to be selling non-compliant vapes, illicit tobacco products, and alcohol without licences.
The operation, known as Operation Machinize 2 and coordinated by the National Crime Agency, took place over a three-week period in October. It involved collaboration between police, Peterborough City Council, and Immigration Enforcement.
Detective Inspector Shish Thind said: “All of these premises were found to be in breach of certain legislations during the visits, such as selling non-compliant vapes, illicit tobacco products and alcohol despite not being a licensed premises.
“I hope this shows the community that we are working to combat money laundering and its associated organised criminality.
“During the periods of these orders, we will monitor them closely to ensure all conditions are being adhered to, and any breaches will be dealt with robustly.”
The seven shops ordered to close are:
Euro Plus in Lincoln Road, Peterborough city centre - full closure between 8th December and 8th March
Whittlesey Mini Market in Broad Street - full closure between 8th December and 8th March
Euro Shop in Lincoln Road, Millfield - partial closure between 9th December and 8th March, barring sales of tobacco products and cigarettes
Gaffy Food Store in Newark Avenue, Dogsthorpe - full closure between 3rd December and 14th January
Hana Express in Burghley Road, Peterborough city centre - partial closure between 3rd December and 3rd March, prohibiting the sale of vapes, cigarettes, and alcohol
International Food Store in Lincoln Road, Peterborough city centre - full closure between 18th December and 22nd January
International in Fitzwilliam Street, Peterborough city centre - full closure between 11th December and 15th January
Additionally, three other businesses have received community protection warnings, with further breaches potentially leading to more severe actions.