West Mercia Police have discovered a large quantity of illegal tobacco in a fridge at a shop in Leominster.
On Friday 23rd June, officers from West Mercia Police visited a premises on Drapers Lane in Leominster, alongside a team from Herefordshire Trading Standards.
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said:
“On Friday 23rd June, Leominster Safer Neighbourhood Team joined members of Herefordshire Trading Standards department in a joint agency operation to continue the great work being undertook against the fight of illegal tobacco and nicotine products on sale.
“There are a number of reasons why such an operation is important to the community but most of all it is the safety to consumers as sales of illegal, unchecked products of this nature can be dangerous.
“We are pleased to say that the operation took place in DRAPERS LANE, LEOMINSTER and was a huge success. As you will see from the photo, a large amount of tobacco products were located in a fridge that had been specifically designed to be hidden under a false floor in a chicken coop at the rear.
“It just shows the lengths that shop keepers/businesses will go to when trying to hide this activity from enforcement agencies. The investigation is ongoing and is being lead by Herefordshire Trading Standards.
“If you have any information or concerns around businesses in your area and feel that similar activity is taking place where you live, then please call HEREFORDSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS on 01432 261761 to report your information.”
