A multi-agency operation targeting the illegal tobacco trade in Darlington has resulted in thousands of illegal cigarettes being removed from circulation and three premises being ordered to close for three months.
On Tuesday 28 July, trading standards officers from Darlington Borough Council, together with colleagues from the Regional Organised Crime Unit, the Department of Work and Pensions and the Fair Worker Agency, visited a series of premises across the town suspected of involvement in the illegal tobacco trade. They were joined by tobacco detection dogs Griff, Bran and Cooper.
Seizures and closures
During the day of action, illegal cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco with an estimated retail value of nearly £3,000 were seized from an unlocked vehicle linked to Vape City on Bondgate while more than £5,000 of illicit goods were seized from Cherry Berry on Parkgate.
Premises closure notices were also served to Red Market on Neasham Road, Romanian Shop on North Road and Vape City on Bondgate, which have been under investigation by Darlington trading standards. At a hearing at Peterlee Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, July 29, evidence was presented relating to ongoing alleged criminal activity linked to the premises.
The court granted temporary closure orders preventing any business from operating from the properties for three months. All three premises will remain closed until midnight on October 29, 2026. If needed, trading standards officers can apply to the courts for a further three-month extension.
Operation CeCe and community impact
The action follows extensive investigation work and intelligence gathering under Operation CeCe into the supply of illegal vapes and cigarettes in Darlington, including their alleged sale to children.
Cllr Jim Garner, cabinet member for stronger communities, Darlington Borough Council, who was present during the day of action said: "Residents should not have to tolerate the antisocial behaviour and criminality linked with the illegal tobacco trade and days of action like this provide us with vital opportunities to gather intelligence, carry out targeted enforcement, and take further legal action against sellers who show a blatant disregard for the law."
"We take the illegal sale of cigarettes, vapes and other tobacco products very seriously and are committed to taking positive and hard-hitting action on businesses which pose a risk to the health and wellbeing of our communities, particularly those which attempt to exploit or sell harmful products to children, and which undermine local, honest businesses."
Darlington Borough Council will continue to monitor problem traders, but community cooperation is crucial to ongoing operations. Anyone with information about the sale of illegal vapes, tobacco and cigarettes in Darlington is encouraged to report this to the council's trading standards team via email tradingstandards@darlington.gov.uk or using the online form. You can also contact the police on 101 or submit it online.
