Illegal tobacco and vape operation leads to business closures across Warwickshire
Multi-agency enforcement action in Warwickshire results in seizures, court closures and ongoing investigations
A three-day operation targeting the illegal sale of tobacco and vaping products has resulted in business closures, arrests and the seizure of thousands of illicit items across Warwickshire.
Operation Etone, led by Warwickshire County Council's Trading Standards team alongside Warwickshire Police and Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, began with a public engagement event in Nuneaton before two days of targeted enforcement activity.
Six business closure notices were issued following raids on premises, where intelligence suggested illegal tobacco and vaping products were being sold.
Four businesses have since been ordered by the courts to close for up to three months while investigations continue, while other properties have been returned to their landlords.
Officers seized 16,280 cigarettes, 67 packs of hand-rolling tobacco and 853 vapes, with an estimated value of almost £21,000.
Warwickshire County Council said the operation aimed to disrupt the supply of illicit tobacco and vaping products and tackle suspected organised criminal activity.
Following the operation, Warwickshire County Council Leader Councillor George Finch said the enforcement action targeted businesses that he alleged were linked to organised criminal activity.
Cllr Finch said: "These dodgy shops are not harmless businesses just selling a few cheap cigarettes under the counter. They are often fronts for organised criminal gangs, selling dangerous and unregulated products, employing people illegally and funnelling their profits into wider criminal activity."
Councillor Finch added that the council would continue working with Warwickshire Police, district and borough councils, landlords and other enforcement agencies to tackle the illegal trade and support legitimate businesses.
Operation Etone involved around 15 Warwickshire Trading Standards officers and approximately 25 Warwickshire Police officers, with support from Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council.
The council said the operation forms part of wider work by the Safer Warwickshire Partnership to tackle illicit trade and support lawful businesses across the county.
Earlier this year, Warwickshire County Council launched its Crime Awareness and Prevention Programme (CAPP), which it says builds on existing work by Safer Warwickshire partners to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour while helping residents feel safer in their communities.