Four shops in Stoke-on-Trent have been issued with closure orders after an investigation found illegal cigarettes and vapes being sold.

The raids resulted in the seizure of 563 illegal vapes (£7,319), 4.5kg of fake hand-rolling tobacco (£4,300), 17,600 illegal cigarettes (£11,000) and 40 packs of illegal shisha (£700).

The council issued four premises with a 48-hour closure notice and last week, Newcastle Magistrates Court extended the order to three months.

Trading Standards seized illegal vapes, hand-rolling tobacco, cigarettes and shisha (Stoke-on-Trent City Council).

Councillor Amjid Wazir OBE, cabinet member for city pride, enforcement and sustainability advised: "Another great result by the trading standards team. Premises found to be selling items illegally will face the consequences. 

"I encourage any resident to report any suspicious activity relating to the sale of illegal vapes, tobacco, underage sales and anything related. 

"We want Stoke-on-Trent to be a safe, thriving place, and this type of activity undermines the hard work of residents and legitimate businesses." 

"When we have the evidence, we will continue to take action like this against businesses who sell illegal goods in Stoke-on-Trent."

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READ MORE: Man charged following stabbing in Stoke-on-Trent city centre

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