Pembrokeshire vape shops closed due to 'criminal behaviour'
Earlier this spring specialist regional trading standards officers, Pembrokeshire County Council's trading standards team and Dyfed-Powys Police targeted the two shops in Haverfordwest and Milford Haven.
They uncovered illegal tobacco, vapes and cash from two cars, used for concealing supplies to top up stock available in the stores, a large quantity of cash suspected to be from criminal activity was seized and one vehicle impounded by the police, for having no tax or insurance
It is believed that many of the cigarettes seized would have ended up in the hands of children and young people in Pembrokeshire's poorest communities, which are targeted by criminals selling illegal tobacco at a significantly reduced cost.
(Image: Google Street View/Pembrokeshire County Council) Illegal vapes are also of concern, as they may contain a much higher amount of nicotine than permitted by UK regulations. Among the other toxic ingredients found in counterfeit vapes are arsenic, lead and formaldehyde.
Counterfeit cigarettes may also be contaminated with toxic elements such as arsenic and lead
The two shops; Vape Zone in High Street, Haverfordwest and K R Vape Shop in Charles Street, Milford Haven, were closed by Pembrokeshire County Council on April 16.
The owners of both shops appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on May 1 to hear the council's application for a three-month closure order under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
(Image: Google Street View) An earlier hearing, scheduled to take place on April 17, was adjourned at the request of the business' solicitor.
The court heard how, in the council's opinion, the application for a closure order against each premises was necessary due to the nuisance to members of the public arising from the criminal behaviour.
Magistrates also heard that closure was deemed necessary to prevent such nuisance or disorder from continuing or recurring.
'After retiring to consider the case presented on behalf of the council and representations made by the business's solicitor, the court returned to confirm that both orders would be granted, satisfied that the council's case had been made out,' said a spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council.
(Image: Pembrokeshire County Council) Both vape shops must remain closed for three months. After this the council can apply for a further period of three months if warranted.
Both premises have been secured and during the next three months it would be a criminal offence for any person to enter either vape shop, without being granted written permission by the council.
'Investigations are ongoing and criminal proceedings may follow,' said the council spokesperson.
After the raids earlier this year Sergeant Claire Evans of Dyfed-Powys Police, said: 'We will continue to target such establishments who are selling illegal contraband in Pembrokeshire, seizing cash, vehicles, and any other property linked to the running of these illegal operations.'
If you think that someone is selling illegal tobacco, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
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