Four Torbay shops closed down by police after selling illegal cigarettes

Three shops in Torquay and one in Paignton have been shut down after an operation discovered they had links to crime and were selling illegal tobacco and cigarettes.  

The shops were visited by local police officers and Heart of the South West Trading Standards staff resulting in interim closure notices being served on Saturday 25 July as part of Operation Marshal.

The premises were ordered to cease trading for three months after police received intelligence suggesting criminal activity was taking place and recent visits uncovered illicit goods being sold.  

Torquay Sector Inspector Rob Harvey explained: “The joint operation to target the sale of counterfeit tobacco and cigarettes in the bay was carried out at the weekend by Torquay, Paignton and Brixham Neighbourhood Police Teams alongside local trading standards officers.

“With support of the well-tuned noses of the tobacco detection dogs, a large quantity of illicit products was successfully discovered and seized.

“Further investigations and actions following these seizures will be progressed over the coming days. We know the harm these products can do as well as the negative impact on legitimate businesses. We will continue to target this activity in the months ahead.”

“We would like to thank the public who provide vital information to us so we can keep our communities safe.”

Newton Abbot Magistrates Court granted full closure orders at a hearing on Monday 27 July which means the shops cannot open and sell any goods for three months. The shops in questions are:  

A specialist Devon & Cornwall Police legal advisor worked with the local police teams to bring about the closure orders. The latest action follows previous shop closures in Torbay due to illegal sales of vapes and tobacco.  

Since the ASB Legal Advisor started towards the end of 2024 we have secured 78 closure orders tackling both residential and commercial premises linked to serious ASB, drug activity, counterfeit products and exploitation. Legislation allows us to apply for up to three months initially but this can be extended for a maximum of a further three months - this has taken place in some cases. 

Alex Fry, Head of Intelligence and Investigations for Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service, said: "Illegal tobacco sales harm our communities, disadvantage honest businesses and support criminal activity.

"These closure orders send a clear message that businesses involved in this trade will face firm enforcement action. Working with our partners at Devon & Cornwall Police, we will continue to target those who persistently break the law and put profit before public safety."

If you have information for Devon & Cornwall Police about illegal activity in your community please report via the 101 non-emergency number or our website Home | Devon & Cornwall Police

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For more information about the work of Heart of the South West Trading Standards click here Trading standards - Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay