A crackdown on the suspected sale of illegal vapes and cigarettes in Darlington has seen four people arrested and two shops closed down.
A joint operation between Durham Constabulary and Darlington Borough Council's trading standards team this week saw three men - aged, 43, 38 and 28 - arrested on suspicion of possession of counterfeit goods. A woman, 35, was also detained on suspicion of possession of criminal property and obstructing the police.
All four have since been released under investigation as police enquiries continue. A number of illegal cigarettes and vapes were seized from Easy Shop on Victoria Road in the town, with that store and Neasham Road Mini Market both issued with closure notices "following the sale of vapes to children and the supply of illicit and over-strength tobacco and vapes", the police said.
This means the two shops will be closed for the next three months. The action comes as part of Operation Nightstar, which has been investigating the sale and supply of counterfeit tobacco products.
Det Const Martin Rowell, from Durham Constabulary, said: "Illicit and dangerous tobacco and vapes can not only cause serious harm to people’s health, but the proceeds are often invested into organised crime and can help fund more serious and violent offences. Supplying these products to underage children can also open them up to potential exploitation and criminality – if you are doing this, then you can expect a visit from us.
"We know that our communities will not tolerate the antisocial behaviour and criminality that these activities bring. If you have any information regarding potential criminality in your community then please report it to us - we will always act on intelligence submitted to us, as this operation has shown."
Coun Mike Renton, Darlington Borough Council's community safety lead, added: "People might think they are getting cheap products, but actually it harms the community as it supports organised crime and affects law-abiding businesses, not to mention the health dangers involved."
Shaun Trevor, from the council’s trading standards team, said he and his colleagues would act on all complaints, especially in cases which could involve selling of illegal and counterfeit good to children. He said: "We will use every available tool to put a stop to these traders in Darlington, including premises closure orders. Working with partner agencies has paid huge dividends and will continue."
To share information with the police, members of the public can call Durham Constabulary on 101 or visit durham.police.uk. Information can be submitted anonymously to to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.
Anyone who can assist trading standards is asked to email tradingstandards@darlington.gov.uk or report it using the online form here.
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