Two Wrexham shops have been closed down as part of ongoing efforts to tackle the sale of illegal tobacco and vaping products and disrupt associated criminal activity.
Wrexham Council's Trading Standards Team has successfully obtained more Closure Orders against Simba's Shop, King Street and Brook Street Superstore.
The action follows a series of investigations and enforcement activities carried out by Wrexham Trading Standards, working closely with North Wales Police and other partner agencies.
Closure Orders are a significant enforcement measure used to prevent ongoing criminal or anti-social activity linked to premises. The court order immediately forces a business premises to shut down and bans anyone from entering it, while further investigations continue.
The sale of illegal tobacco and vaping products is frequently linked to wider organised criminality. These products are often sold outside the legal regulatory framework, avoiding taxes and safety controls, while undermining legitimate businesses that comply with the law.
Wrexham Council said Trading Standards and North Wales Police remain committed to using the full range of powers available to disrupt illegal trading, remove illicit products from circulation and protect consumers.
Cllr Hugh Jones, lead member for strategic planning & public protection, said: "These Closure Orders demonstrate our determination to tackle businesses involved in illegal trading and the significant harm it causes to our communities.
"The illegal tobacco trade is often connected to wider criminal networks, depriving the public purse of much-needed revenue and making tobacco products more accessible to young people.
“I would like to thank the officers from Trading Standards and North Wales Police for their continued commitment and partnership working in bringing these matters before the court. We will continue to take robust enforcement action wherever evidence of illegal trading is identified."
The successful applications to the Magistrates Court were the result of close partnership working between Wrexham Council's Trading Standards Service and North Wales Police.