9 Portsmouth shops named and shamed after raids over sale and supply of illegal tobacco products
Nine shops across Portsmouth have been named and shamed following raids over the sale and supply of illegal tobacco products.
Trading Standards and Portsmouth Police were out across the city this week undertaking “inspections” - with the authorities reporting a successful mission as items were seized.
They were assisted by The Nose Knows K9 dog handler and detection dog for these inspections, as well as a community warden. The canine showed its worth after positively identifying two vehicles which had tobacco intended for supply stored inside.
On Thursday (28 January) Trading Standards seized tobacco products from four vehicles in total connected with Kingston Mini Market, New King Mart and Bucharest Shop. Illegal vapes and Lababu Dolls were also seized from the shops.
Inspections were also carried out at Aro Market and Yellow Shop where vapes and shisha products were seized.
On Thursday, the authorities were joined by Stephen Morgan MP and Trading Standard’s regional tobacco coordinator - a specialised officer that covers 19 local authorities in the south east.
“We've carried out inspections at four shops in Southsea including Albert Food Store, Highland Mini Market, Vape City and Pompey Blues, again seizing single use vapes,” a Trading Standards statement said.
“Further enquiries will now be undertaken to determine what further action if any will be undertaken. We are very grateful for all the support from partner services and agencies over the last couple of days.
“Please continue to report incidents to us, as this helps us gather intelligence and coordinate enforcement options.”
To report illegal tobacco: [email protected]