This is the first time that enforcement powers have been used in this way by Cardiff Council.

The shop will be closed for a minimum of three months, for selling Class C drugs and other illegal and dangerous products to its customers.

The ‘Closure Order’, imposed by Cardiff Magistrates’ Court today (21 March) means that the shop must close with immediate effect and any trading for three months thereafter could result in the owner receiving three months in prison, a fine, or both.

The case came to light when complaints were received that the shop was selling illegal tobacco products and Nitrous Oxide canisters. Trading Standards opened an investigation and test purchases were made. The results showed that the shop was selling counterfeit tobacco, illegal vapes, duty free cigarettes smuggled into the UK and Nitrous Oxide. The cost of 50g of counterfeit Amber Leaf tobacco was being sold for as little as £5 when the retail price is £38.10.

A spokesperson for Shared Regulatory Services said: “Illegal tobacco does great harm in the community. Its cheapness and ease of supply are particularly attractive to young people and others on lower incomes, and it eliminates the price incentive for existing smokers to quit the habit’. ‘I’m delighted to see this action being taken. Offenders need to know that they will face consequences if they choose to deal in these illegal products.”

Anyone with information relating to the sale of illegal tobacco is urged to report it, anonymously, at https://noifs-nobutts.co.uk/report-illegal-tobacco-in-wales