Middlesbrough corner shop closed following multiple seizures of illicit tobacco

A corner shop in Middlesbrough has been closed over illegal tobacco trade. 

According to local reports, the corner shop at 31 Market Place in North Ormesby in Middlesbrough was found with 6,600 illegal cigarettes and 4.5kg of rolling tobacco during a raid in September. 

When trading standards officers visited the shop on Nov 11 to give notice of intention to apply for a closure order, they found and seized another 36 packets of illegal tabs and another 250g of rolling tobacco. 

Following the seizures, the shop has been shut down for at least three months. 

Judith Hedgley, Middlesbrough Council’s Head of Public Protection, said that illicit tobacco is harmful to local communities as it reduces the impact of health improvement measures designed to reduce the prevalence of smoking and reduce health inequalities, and it brings crime into neighbourhoods.  

“There was clear evidence of ongoing illegal activity at 31 Market Place, which highlights why the closure of the property was necessary. 

“We will continue to investigate and take action against individuals and businesses involved in selling illicit tobacco and this will include seeking closure orders to stop business premises being used to support this crime,” reports quoted Hedgley as saying. 

The crackdown on illicit tobacco is part of a joint drive between the council’s trading standards and HMRC, named Operation Cece. 

Councillor David Coupe, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Adult Social Care and Public Protection, added: “We strive to make Middlesbrough a healthy town, a safe place to live and a place where legitimate businesses can thrive. 

“The Council’s Public Protection Service and its Trading Standards team continue to protect the interest of local people and ensure lawful and fair-trading practices.