Shop Concealing Illegal Goods Behind False Wall Discovered

A shop was found to be concealing over £16,000 worth of illicit cigarettes, tobacco, and vapes behind a false wall. Following a tip-off, Durham County Council conducted an investigation at the Quick Pick Store in Peterlee, leading to the discovery of these items. Peterlee Magistrates’ Court mandated the shop’s closure until February next year and imposed a payment of £1,709 in costs. Gary Carr, the council’s strategic regulation manager, stated that addressing “illegal tobacco remains a key priority”. Upon entering the premises, council officers located a false wall. Its removal uncovered 10,060 cigarettes, 33lbs (15kg) of hand rolling tobacco, and 852 non-compliant disposable vapes containing nicotine. Mr. Carr commented that illegal tobacco introduces “crime and health problems into our communities” and has the potential to “often fuel human trafficking, the drugs trade and loan sharks”. He added, “We hope that another successful closure will act as a warning to other businesses that we will not tolerate the trade of illegal tobacco in County Durham.”