Two County Durham businesses who worked together to store illegal vapes and cigarettes have been slapped with closure orders after over £7,000 of illicit products were discovered.

European Mini Market, on Church Street, and Ardo’s Barbers, on Adelaide Row, in Seaham will now both be closed for three months following the discovery.

Peterlee Magistrates Court heard that during one inspection of European Mini Market, no illegal products were found but officers discovered the store was linked to Ardo’s Barbers by a fire escape.

The Northern Echo: European Mini Market.European Mini Market. (Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL)

An inspection of the barbers later that day found 420 illegal vapes and packs of cigarettes valued at just over £5,500.

These products were immediately seized – and it was found they were being stored at the barbers on behalf of European Mini Market.

The Northern Echo: Ardo's Barbers.Ardo's Barbers. (Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL)

A  second visit to the market then found a bag and suitcase filled with illegal cigarettes, hand rolling tobacco and vapes valued at over £2,100.

Now, magistrates have granted the closure order on the grounds of causing a nuisance to the local community and the businesses were ordered to pay £1,709 each in costs.

Joanne Waller, Durham County Council’s head of community protection, said: “The sale of illegal cigarettes and tobacco products has a significant impact on the community.

The Northern Echo: Seized products.Seized products. (Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL)

The Northern Echo: Seized products.Seized products. (Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL)

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The Northern Echo: Seized products.Seized products. (Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL)

“It poses a serious health risk to people and makes it easier for young people to purchase illicit products.

“It also has a financial impact on other businesses in the area which are compliant with the law.

“This order shows that retailers who flout the law by selling illicit products will face a visit from our officers and they can face closure and court action.”