Newport shop closed following repeated sales of illegal cigarettes and tobacco
Telford & Wrekin Council's trading standards team has successfully worked with West Mercia Police and a landlord to close a shop in Newport that was repeatedly caught selling illegal cigarettes and tobacco, including counterfeit and non-duty-paid products.
During a 12-month period, trading standards officers seized illegal products on three occasions. In total, 4,120 cigarettes and 3.1kg of tobacco were removed from the shop. None of these products had been subject to the payment of tax or duty.
In addition to the seized goods, officers carried out a number of test purchases to demonstrate the ongoing illegal activity. Between December 2025 and September 2026, illegal cigarettes were sold to officers on four separate occasions.
As a result of these incidents, the Council's trading standards team worked with the landlord to evict the tenants. Working with landlords to remove tenants who breach their tenancy agreements through criminal activity is a key approach used by trading standards to disrupt the sale of illegal tobacco.
This is the second time in the past 12 months that a landlord has worked with trading standards to close a shop involved in criminal activity. Trading standards continues to engage with landlords across the Borough and encourages them to act proactively where evidence shows tenants are selling or possessing illegal cigarettes and tobacco.
Councillor Nathan England, Cabinet Member for Safer Streets and Better Housing, said: BIllegal tobacco is not a victimless crime. It undermines legitimate businesses, deprives public services of vital tax revenue and can help fund wider criminal activity.
"This successful action demonstrates the determination of our trading standards team and the value of partnership working with West Mercia Police and local landlords. We will continue to take robust action against those who choose to operate outside the law and put our communities at risk.
"We would encourage landlords to work with us where there is evidence of illegal activity taking place within commercial premises. By working together, we can help protect local businesses, support safer communities and tackle illegal tobacco sales across Telford and Wrekin."
Illegal tobacco undermines legitimate retailers, evades taxes that fund public services and can make tobacco products more accessible.
The Council remains committed to working with partners including West Mercia Police and landlords to protect, care and invest in safer communities by tackling illegal trading activity.
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