Two shops in Bensham have been ordered to close after being found to be associated with the sale of illegal tobacco.
Inspectors from Trading Standards and officers from Northumbria Police busted the owner of Kubus General Dealers, on Coatsworth Road, after quantities of illegal tobacco were found in “sophisticated” hiding places. Sniffer dogs also searched the area surrounding the shop and found more of the tobacco hidden in nearby parked cars.
Owner Ali Ahmed Zada contested the closure order, but the application was granted before a district judge.
Kubus General Dealers had been found by Trading Standards to sell illegal tobacco on five previous occasions.
It comes as International Food Store, in Saltwell Road, both in Bensham was also ordered to close its doors, as although no illegal tobacco was found on the premises, an individual associated with the sale of illegal tobacco was identified in the premises, and illegal products were found in a nearby car linked to them.
The owners of International Food Store, which only opened in November last year, initially contested the closure application, but chose not to proceed, and the order was granted.
Councillor Angela Douglas, of Gateshead Council, said: “The sale of illegal tobacco products is a serious offence, and the length of the closure orders imposed on these two shops should make it very clear to others engaging in similar criminal activity – we will not tolerate it, and when you are caught we will take action against you to the extent of the law.
“Illegal tobacco sales are very harmful to our communities, they can make smoking more accessible to children, they can also fund drug supply chains and other serious organised crime. Everyone has a right to feel safe in their local area, and we will continue to work with our policing partners to act on intelligence to stop these criminals profiting from their illegal activity.”
And Inspector Kevin Ashurst, of Northumbria Police, echoed Coun Douglas’ comments.
“It is vitally important that we continue to work with our partners at Gateshead Council and help to take harmful and illegal items out of circulation,” he said.
“Some people might not see an issue with buying counterfeit cigarettes or illegal goods, but the truth of the matter is that the sale of these products is re-invested into serious and organised crime.
“By taking away the profits we take away the power and standing these groups hold. No-one should have to tolerate criminality in their area and as a force we will do all we can to tackle it, and act on any information supplied to us.”
Both Kubus General Dealers and International Food Store will be closed until midnight on May 2.
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