Key points:
·Misconduct: An e-cigarette store in Royston, UK was closed for three months for repeatedly selling illegal and counterfeit cigarettes, marijuana, and disposable e-cigarettes.
·Enforcement action: conducted jointly by the North Hertfordshire County Council, Anti-Fraud Services and Trading Standards.
·Items seized: a total of 5360 cigarettes, 0.85 kg of hand-rolled tobacco, 176 disposable e-cigarettes, and some marijuana drugs.
·Other violations: selling goods to minors and employing illegal workers.
·Follow-up investigation: after the closure order took effect, police surveillance revealed two individuals entering the store, prompting a criminal investigation.
【2Firsts News Flash】According to a report by the Royston Crow on July 23, a e-cigarette shop in Royston, UK has been shut down for repeatedly selling illegally and counterfeit cigarettes, cannabis, and disposable e-cigarettes.
The Roycestown e-cigarette store has been ordered to close for three months by the court in Steventonich.
This closure order was jointly issued by North Hertfordshire County Council, the Shared Anti-Fraud Service (SAFS), and Hertfordshire County Trading Standards.
During the inspection process, law enforcement officials discovered a large quantity of counterfeit tobacco and non-compliant e-cigarette products.
A total of 5360 cigarettes, 0.85 kilograms of hand-rolled tobacco, and 176 disposable e-cigarettes were seized, with an estimated street value between £2940 and £4200 (approximately $3965 to $5673).
Additionally, there were two separate seizures of cannabis drugs found hidden in e-cigarettes, with an estimated street value between £2,940 and £5,880 (approximately $3,965 to $7,936).
Furthermore, there is evidence showing that the store has been selling products to minors and employing individuals who are not authorized to work legally in the UK.
Local residents and high school students have raised serious concerns about this store, with reports indicating an increase in underage use of e-cigarettes directly associated with the establishment.
The closure order stipulates that entering the premises in the next three months will constitute a criminal offense.
However, just two hours after the closure order took effect, closed-circuit television cameras captured two people walking out of the store. The police have been notified and are currently conducting a criminal investigation to hold those responsible for violating the prohibition order accountable.
North Hertfordshire County Council regulatory member Councillor Mick Debenham stated:
“This is a prime example of various agencies coming together to protect our community. I want to thank the staff of North Hertfordshire County Council, the Shared Anti-Fraud Service, and the Trading Standards Bureau for their important work in bringing this case to court. Their efforts not only shut down a business putting children at risk, but also send a clear message that North Hertfordshire County will not tolerate illegal activities. Stores like these harm our young people, undermine the interests of legitimate businesses, and erode trust in the community. I am proud of the work we are doing to uphold the safety and well-being of our residents.”
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