Tilbury vape shop forced to shut down after hundreds of illegal vapes seized
Tilbury Vape Shop was shut down for three months and its owner fined for repeatedly selling illegal tobacco and vapes.Summary
Tilbury Vape Shop in Dock Road, Tilbury, has been forced to close for three months by Thurrock Council’s Trading Standards Team after repeatedly selling illicit tobacco products. Basildon Magistrates Court also ordered the shop’s owner, Sami Kamali, to pay £3,759.15 in costs. The action followed complaints and intelligence regarding the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes, including sales to children. Two seizures occurred: in June, 2,960 cigarettes, 2kg of hand-rolling tobacco, and 291 illegal vapes were seized. A subsequent inspection in October, aided by tobacco detection dogs, uncovered a sophisticated underfloor hide containing 5,760 cigarettes, hand-rolling tobacco, and illegal Shisha products. Test purchases confirmed sales of illicit tobacco to officers, and reports indicated sales to children. Councillor Lynda Heath emphasized the council’s commitment to removing illegal products from the streets and protecting children.
(Source：Essexlive)
