Police close The Famous Shop in Nelson following supply of illegal tobacco
A shop in Nelson has been closed down by police following the persistent supply of cheap, illegal tobacco.
The Famous Shop in Railway Street was shutdown for three months after a court order was issued. Police officers from Operation Prosper, working alongside Trading Standards and partner agencies, successfully obtained the closure order at the magistrates court.
The tobacco police refer to isn’t a genuine product that is brought in from abroad without paying duty. It’s counterfeit tobacco, made in unregulated conditions by criminals, with no controls or safeguards over what’s contained in them.
The closure order was granted after an investigation showed the continued supply of illegal tobacco products, despite previous enforcement action and a prior closure order at their former premises at The American Sweet Shop. The owner had attempted to continue operating by relocating right next door, changing the business name to The Famous Shop and altering tenancy details.
However, a joint investigation established the same individuals remained in control and the unlawful trade continued. A considerable amount of illegal cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco was seized from a purpose-built concealment inside the newly refurbished shop. A larger amount of illegal tobacco products were seized from a ‘stash car’ linked to the business, which was in a town centre car park, a short distance from the shop. This was being used to replenish the illegal tobacco stock in the concealment inside the shop. Police seized the car permanently.
A police spokesman said: “This type of criminality harms our communities, undermines legitimate local businesses and exposes people of all ages to dangerous, unregulated products. This is only one element of our enforcement and disruption relating to the sale of illegal tobacco. "Arrests have been made and charges are in the pipeline. Criminal property has also been seized by police and bank accounts have been frozen.
“The Operation Prosper team is fully committed to making Nelson and Brierfield safer, stronger places to live and work, but real change only happens when police, partners and community stand together. Our greatest strength is the community itself, both in its size and in its spirit. The support we’ve received from most residents has been incredible, and it genuinely makes a difference.
“There will always be different views and opinions, and that’s part of a healthy community.What matters most is that we look out for one another and stand up for what we know is right. When we do that, real progress is possible.”
Anyone with information about illegal sales of tobacco in their area, is asked to contact police or Trading Standards via Crimestoppers which can be done anonymously by clicking HERE.