Thurrock Council’s Trading Standards Team has forced another shop to close its doors after it repeatedly sold illicit tobacco products.
Tilbury Vape Shop in Dock Road, Tilbury, will not be allowed to open or trade for three months following a ruling by Basildon Magistrates Court. Its owner Sami Kamali has also been ordered to pay the council £3,759.15 in costs.
The team responded to complaints and intelligence regarding the potential sale of illicit tobacco and sales of illicit tobacco to children.
The ruling followed two seizures of illegal tobacco and vapes from the premises.
In June this year, the Trading Standards team seized 2,960 sticks of cigarettes, approximately 2 kg of hand rolling tobacco and 291 non-compliant and illegal vapes.
And then in October, a follow up inspection took place at the Tilbury premises with Trading Standards Officers, tobacco detection dogs Billy and Ziggy, Essex Police and Immigration Enforcement.
A sophisticated hydraulic underfloor hide was discovered in the rear room, containing a large quantity of illicit cigarettes, 5,760 stick cigarettes. Hand rolling tobacco was also found onsite and Trading Standards Officers removed quantities of illegal Shisha products. The concealed hide has been taken out of operation.
Test purchases of illicit cigarettes were also conducted, with the shop selling illicit tobacco to officers on two separate occasions. Reports were also received from Essex Police that these illicit cigarettes were being sold to children.
Cllr Lynda Heath, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, Constitutional and Civic Affairs, said:
“Our Trading Standards team are working tirelessly to keep these illegal products off our streets and away from our children.
“We know the harm that illegal tobacco causes, hurting our communities, keeping people hooked on tobacco as well as funding organised crime and taking business away from genuine retailers who follow the law.
“Everyone can play a part in helping our community by contacting the authorities if you have any information about shops selling illicit tobacco and vapes.”
The action was part of the joint HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and National Trading Standards initiative, Operation CeCe, which has been working to seize illicit tobacco since January 2021.
If anyone has any information about the sale of illicit tobacco or illegal vapes from this premises or any others you can report it by calling 0808 223 1133 or through our website.
Residents can also report underage tobacco or vape sales on our website at thurrock.gov.uk/underage-sales
