Middlesbrough illegal tobacco operation shut down twice
- Published
Middlesbrough Council said the illicit business "simply switched premises" to Pshdar convenience store after being caught
An illegal tobacco operation has been shut down for the second time in a month by trading standards' officers.
Teams first seized tobacco from Vegas convenience store in Abingdon Road, Middlesbrough, on 5 March and served it with a three-month closure order.
Middlesbrough Council said the black market operation then "simply switched premises" to Pshdar, in Waterloo Road.
The council has worked with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) as part of Operation CeCe, external, targeting illegal products.
The Labour-led authority said Pshdar convenience store was served a three-month closure order on 21 March at Teesside Magistrates' Court.
'Dangerous trade'
Seizures of illegal products and test purchases formed evidence in a joint investigation by Trading Standards and HMRC.
The council said the operation involved "multiple people, premises and vehicles".
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: "This dangerous trade has clear links to organised crime, and we will do everything in our power to stamp it out.
"It not only blights communities by driving up crime and anti-social behaviour, but puts people's health at risk and damages legitimate businesses.
"It's indefensible, and we will continue to work with our partners to identify those responsible and bring them to justice."
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