An illegal tobacco peddling operation tried to dupe police after moving its business around the corner to try and avoid detection.
Trading Standards officers from Middlesbrough Council secured a three-month closure order against the Vegas convenience store on Abingdon Road in Middlesbrough on March 5.
The shop and a residential flat above it had been used for prolific sales of illicit tobacco.
According to council officials and police, those responsible then simply moved their black market operation to nearby PShdar on Waterloo Road, but Trading Standards were ready and moved in to close the business down again.
On Thursday (March 21) police and council officers secured a further three-month closure order against Pshdar at Teesside Magistrates’ Court.
The court heard how the illicit tobacco and cigarette business involved multiple people, premises and vehicles, with evidence including seizures and test purchases from joint enforcement by Trading Standards and HMRC.
Those behind it switched premises after the initial closure in a bid to continue trading, before being shut down for a second time.
This investigation and enforcement work by Trading Standards was part of a national Trading Standards initiative codenamed Operation CeCe which is playing a significant role in disrupting the illicit trade and helping to take illegal tobacco off the streets.
Judith Hedgley, Middlesbrough Council’s Head of Public Protection, said: “This result sends a message to the illicit tobacco sellers that Trading Standards are watching, they will track you down and bring you to justice.”
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Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke added: “This dangerous trade has clear links to organised crime, and we will do everything in our power to stamp it out.
“It not only blights communities by driving up crime and anti-social behaviour but puts people’s health at risk and damages legitimate businesses.
“It’s indefensible, and we will continue to work with our partners to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”
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