Two Chester shops have been shut down after thousands of illegal cigarettes were uncovered during a crackdown linked to organised immigration crime.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has secured closure orders for Local Station Off Licence, 131 Brook Street, and Easy Go Vape, 17a Delamere Street.

On Thursday 14 May, officers carried out inspections at premises across the city as part of Operation Accommodate.

During the operation, trading standards officers and police, assisted by a specialist Tobacco Detection Dog, located over 11,000 counterfeit and illegal cigarettes, many of which were hidden in sophisticated concealment hides.

More than 7,000 cigarettes were found at Local Station Off Licence on Brook Street, while officers seized a further 1,200 from Easy Go Vapes on Delamere Street.

Both premises are now required to remain closed until 18 August 2026.

Closure orders are used where there is evidence of persistent illegal activity and are intended to prevent further offending, protect residents and support legitimate traders.

Anyone with information about businesses selling illegal tobacco products can report them anonymously here.

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