Barnstaple shop closed for three months after illegal tobacco seizure

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.

On Tuesday 21 April, North and East Devon Magistrates Court granted a full three-month closure order on Dilan’s Market situated on the High Street in Barnstaple.

The order follows a joint operation by Devon & Cornwall Police and Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service, which led officers to find 5,000 illicit cigarettes and 120 pouches of tobacco.

Sergeant Laura Lloyd, who leads the team in 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.”

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.

Operations Manager for Trading Standards, Alex Fry, added “Selling illegal tobacco puts public health at risk, undermines legitimate businesses, and is often linked to wider criminal activity.

“We will continue to work closely with the police and act where this kind of behaviour is identified to protect local communities.”

To report concerns of counterfeit tobacco, use the dedicated reporting page on the Trading Standards website: Report illegal tobacco - Trading Standards Service or phone 01392 383000.

To report concerns of businesses engaging in illegal activity or to log non-urgent crimes happening in your area, please visit the force website or call 101.

Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111, or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org