Illegal cigarettes and vapes found stashed in shop

Dana Local in Leeds city centre has been forced to close for six weeks

A Leeds city centre shop has been ordered to close for six weeks after illegal cigarettes and vapes worth £5,000 were seized.

Dana Local on Duncan Street has also lost its licence after the vapes and cigarettes were found stashed behind a false wall inside the premises.

Leeds City Council was granted a Premises Closure Order this week, forcing the shop to close until 25 August.

Sgt Edel Fox from West Yorkshire Police said the business "had been a magnet for antisocial behaviour and nuisance".

Illicit vapes and illegal cigarettes were found stashed behind a false wall

Linda Davis of West Yorkshire Trading Standards said the operation had "taken a significant amount of illicit tobacco and vapes off the streets".

"Far from being a victimless crime, the illegal trade in tobacco costs government millions each year in lost revenue, makes it easier for children to start smoking, takes advantage of cash-strapped families, and helps fund organised crime."

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