A shop in Barnstaple has been ordered to close for three months after police and Trading Standards uncovered illegal cigarettes and tobacco stashed in an underground compartment.
Dilan’s Market on High Street was issued with a three‑month closure order on 21 April after joint action by Barnstaple Police and Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service.
Officers found 5,000 illicit cigarettes and 120 pouches of tobacco.
The closure is the latest example of police and Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service working together to combat the illegal trade.
More than 20 shops across Devon have been closed by police and trading standards for selling illegal tobacco since last July.
The closure order follows previous warnings over trading in illegal tobacco and means that the shop must not be used for trading for three months, with access restricted to identified individuals only.
Chris Mannell, Neighbourhood Team Leader for Barnstaple said:
“This result highlights the impact of strong partnership working and the vital role our community plays in keeping neighbourhoods safe. Tackling the sale of illegal tobacco helps protect public health, supports legitimate businesses, and disrupts wider criminal activity.”
Trading Standards Operations Manager Alex Fry, said:
“Combatting the supply of illegal tobacco and vapes is a high priority for us. They are often sold at cheaper prices and the sellers are unlikely to care who they sell them to making them accessible to children and by stopping the sale of these products we help protect our communities and businesses that trade legally.”