Convenience store closed down over illegal tobacco and vape sales

A West Bromwich shop which sold vapes to children, illegal cigarettes and counterfeit goods has been closed down by Sandwell Council.

Sklep Europa in Carters Green was subjected to a 48-hour closure order on Monday 14th July. At a court hearing on Wednesday 16th July, Wolverhampton magistrates court ordered the premises to be closed for a period of three months.

Sandwell Council Trading Standards officers, supported by West Midlands Police, raided the shop as part of the Safer 6 campaign last week where they discovered a hydraulic platform under a toilet floor containing approximately 21,000 illegal cigarettes and 120 illegal vapes. Counterfeit items including suspected fake Labubu dolls were also found.

The shop had been subject to underage test purchases and previous visits, which have resulted in the seizure of illegal products.

Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, Sandwell Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community said: “This is a great result for the council, the police and for the whole community.

“This business was established with the sole purpose of supplying illegal and dangerous vapes and tobacco. Despite repeated visits and seizures by the police and our Trading Standards team, the shop continued to sell illegal products.

“All businesses have a clear responsibility to customers and the wider community and we are committed to taking action against shops that sell illegal and dangerous products.

“People’s safety and health cannot be put at risk and the financial gains from illegal tobacco and illegal vape sales often fund organised crime, money laundering and human trafficking.

“The closure order is for the maximum amount of time the courts can impose.”

Sergeant Jessica Northall, from Sandwell Partnerships Team, said: “This store has been a concern for us in West Bromwich town centre. We always want to support our business community, but we take action against premises that commit or encourage criminal activity.

“We have previously conducted licencing checks at the store and noticed quantities of counterfeit goods being sold. We have worked closely with our partners including Sandwell Council’s Trading Standards to conduct several warrants and take decisive action.

“Thanks to our partnership work, a closure order has been obtained through the courts.”