According to local UK media TeessideLive's report on April 23, it was discovered that a blue shop on Norton Road in the town of Stockton-on-Tees was selling illegal cigarettes. As a result, the Stockton Council has ordered the shop to be closed for three months. The report stated that officials from the Trading Standards Authority conducted a secret purchase test last month, leading to this action by the Stockton Council.
This illegal activity was discussed in the Middlesbrough court, where it was made clear that the cigarettes being sold at the store were priced at only £5 per pack, well below the usual price of £12 or more. These cigarettes did not have standardized packaging or the required unique identification numbers.
This event is part of the "Cece Operation," a joint operation carried out by the National Trading Standards Agency and the UK Customs and Excise Agency to combat illegal tobacco sales.
Chairman of the National Trading Standards Agency, Michael Bichard, stated: "Illegal tobacco trade poses a threat to local communities and undermines law-abiding honest retailers. We will continue to work closely with HM Revenue and Customs to actively crackdown on this illegal industry."
At the same time, the court also heard complaints against the store, including allegations that it sold cigarettes to a 14-year-old minor.
Carolyn Nice, the Adult, Health and Welfare Manager of Stockton Council, stated, "This is another excellent achievement by our trading standards team in the city. It is deeply concerning that illegal cigarettes are being sold to children. We urge citizens to report any activities of illegal tobacco sales to the trading standards team."
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