Newtown store targeted in illegal vapes raid

A convenience store in Newtown was among three shops across Powys where illegal tobacco and vape products were discovered hidden in sophisticated secret compartments during a multi-agency operation on Wednesday, July 2.

The coordinated raids, which also targeted stores in Brecon, Llanymynech, and Welshpool, uncovered elaborate hiding systems operated by hidden electromagnets containing large quantities of suspect illegal cigarettes, hand rolling tobacco, and vapes.

The operation was conducted by Powys County Council's Trading Standards Services in support of Operation CeCe, a national initiative led by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs and National Trading Standards to combat the sale of illegal tobacco products.

The Newtown raid formed part of the wider county-wide crackdown that saw multiple agencies working together, including the Operation CeCe Wales Regional Investigation Team, Home Office Immigration Enforcement, and Dyfed Powys Police Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

During the operation, officers discovered that one of the stores where suspect illegal products were found also holds an alcohol licence. This suspected illegal activity will now be reported to the licensing authority for review, potentially putting the business's ability to sell alcohol at risk.

The investigation also uncovered employment law violations when a person with no right to work in the UK was found serving at one of the shops by the enforcement team.

Powys County Council's Trading Standards Services confirmed they will now consider appropriate sanctions against all businesses involved in the operation.

Councillor Richard Church, Cabinet Member for Legal and Regulatory Services, praised the collaborative approach, stating: "This is a very good example of collaborative working across several services to protect the local economy. The sale of illicit tobacco is linked to the commission of fraud, money laundering offences and duty evasion."

He added: "We want to keep our communities safe from these illicit activities so that legitimate local businesses are not undermined."

The sophisticated nature of the concealment methods discovered during the Newtown raid highlights the lengths to which some retailers will go to hide illegal products from authorities. The use of electromagnetically operated hiding systems suggests an organised approach to evading detection.

The crackdown demonstrates the continued commitment by local authorities and national agencies to tackle the illegal tobacco trade, which undermines legitimate businesses and deprives the Treasury of significant tax revenue.

Further details about potential penalties and next steps in the investigation are expected to be announced once Trading Standards Services complete their review of the evidence gathered during the operation.