West Bromwich shop closed down after inspectors find 'fake Labubu dolls' and 21,000 illegal cigarettes
A shop in West Bromwich has been closed down after 21,000 illegal cigarettes were found inside.
Sklep Europa, in Carters Green, West Bromwich, was handed a closure order on Monday, July 14, requiring it to remain closed for three months.
Sandwell Council Trading Standards officers, supported by West Midlands Police, raided the shop as part of the Safer 6 campaign last week.
In the shop, officers discovered a hydraulic platform under a toilet, with the compartment containing approximately 21,000 illegal cigarettes and 120 illegal vapes.
Counterfeit items, including suspected fake Labubu dolls, were also found.
The shop had been subject to underage test purchases and previous visits which had resulted in the seizure of illegal products.
Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, Sandwell Council's deputy leader and cabinet member for neighbourhoods and community, said: "This is a great result for the council, the police and for the whole community.
"This business was established with the sole purpose of supplying illegal and dangerous vapes and tobacco. Despite repeated visits and seizures by the police and our Trading Standards team, the shop continued to sell illegal products.
"All businesses have a clear responsibility to customers and the wider community, and we are committed to taking action against shops that sell illegal and dangerous products. The closure order is for the maximum amount of time the courts can impose.”
