A Portsmouth shop has been slammed shut for selling illegal tobacco after a string of complaints and police raids.
Illegal Tobacco Shop Closed in North End
Trading Standards officers shut down the Bucharest shop in North End following repeated tip-offs. The store was causing a headache for local residents and businesses.
Raid Hits Secret Tobacco Stash Nearby
The crackdown didn’t stop there. Officers swooped on a neighbouring business and uncovered more illicit tobacco hidden away. Investigations suggest the spot served as a covert storage site to dodge the authorities.
Court Battle to Keep Shop Shut Continues
Trading Standards are pushing for a three-month Closure Order. The court hearing was postponed to later this month, but the premises remain closed for now. An update will confirm if the shop will stay off the streets longer under the
Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Local Community Backs Tobacco Crackdown
“Thank you to the public, local businesses and police partners for backing this crackdown,” Portsmouth Trading Standards said. “Together, we’re making it harder for criminals to profit from dodgy tobacco sales.”
