A Portsmouth shop caught flogging illegal tobacco has been forced to close its doors. Trading Standards officers shut down the Bucharest shop in North End after repeated complaints and raids revealed it was causing a nuisance in the local community.
Raid Uncovers Hidden Stash in Nearby Business
Not stopping there, officers seized more illicit tobacco from a neighbouring business. Investigations suggest this spot was being used as a secret storage site to dodge detection by authorities.
Court Battle for Closure Order Ongoing
The Trading Standards team went to court aiming for a three-month Closure Order. While the matter was adjourned until later this month, the premises remain closed for now. An update will follow after the hearing, confirming whether the shop stays shut for a further three months under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Community Cheers Crackdown on Illegal Tobacco
“Thank you to the public, local businesses and police partners for backing this crackdown,” said Portsmouth Trading Standards. Their joint efforts are making it tougher for criminals to profit from dodgy tobacco sales.
