The two latest shops closed for trading in illegal tobacco have strong links to organised crime intelligence suggests.
Following investigations by trading standards and police another two shops, this time in Exeter, were closed for three months for repeatedly trading in illegal tobacco.
District Judge Smith at Exeter Magistrates’ Court granted three-month closure orders on Quick Stop, 143B Fore Street, and European Shop, 124–125 Sidwell Street.
Both have long histories of selling illegal tobacco, despite numerous warnings and enforcement visits.
The closures were the 15th and 16th in just six months, with previous shutdowns in Honiton, Exmouth, Plymouth, Exeter and Torquay.
Investigators revealed that Quick Stop used electromagnetic secret doors and a hydraulic ram-operated ceiling compartment to hide their stashes.
At the most recent visit, tobacco products were discovered in two vehicles linked to the store and the contraband and vehicles were seized with help from HMRC and Devon and Cornwall Police.
Just this year illegal goods valued at over £9,000 have been seized from Quick Stop.
And during the most recent visit to the European Shop a man was spotted fleeing from a makeshift hut at the rear of the store – officers found bags of illegal tobacco in the hut.
Trading standards believe that ‘orders’ for illegal tobacco were made in the shop then passed to the occupant of the hut using two-way radios.
The tobacco was then passed through a hole into the shop. This year products worth over £4,000 have been seized from the European Shop.
Step forward for Devon’s newest town’s £29m shopping list
Plea to protect Devon’s ‘lifeline’ libraries
Smelly Exeter car park makeover postponed
Your views wanted on nature in Exeter and how we can all support it
Friction erupts as major development plan for Devon district rumbles on
Your views needed on improving air quality in Exeter
Matt Taylor returns to Exeter City
Exeter stalker who left victim and housemates terrified is jailed
