A crackdown on illegal vapes and tobacco in Darlington has seen four arrests and two shops closed down - after some unscrupulous retailers were caught selling nicotine products to children. 

This week, officers from Durham Constabulary joined forces with Darlington Borough Council’s trading standards team for the Darlington operation.

Extensive investigation work and intelligence gathering revealed the supply of illicit and over-strength goods in Darlington, as well as the sale of vapes to children as young as 12.   

Both Easy Shop and Neasham Road Mini Market have been issued with closure notices following these discoveries. The businesses will have to close for the next three months.

Read more: £100K of illegal vapes & cigarettes seized in Darlington

Three men aged 43, 38, and 28 were arrested on suspicion of possession of counterfeit goods and interviewed by officers. They have been released under investigation while enquiries continue.  

A 35-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of possession of criminal property and obstructing police. She has been released under investigation.

The action forms part of Operation Nightstar – an ongoing investigation by Durham Police and Darlington Trading Standards into selling and supplying counterfeit and illegal tobacco, cigarettes, and vapes.  

Detective Constable Martin Rowell, from Durham Constabulary, said: “Illicit and dangerous tobacco and vapes can not only cause serious harm to people’s health but the proceeds are often invested into organised crime and can help fund more serious and violent offences.

“Supplying these products to underage children can also open them up to potential exploitation and criminality – if you are doing this, then you can expect a visit from us.

“We know that our communities will not tolerate antisocial behaviour and criminality.”

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Councillor Mike Renton, the council’s cabinet member for stronger communities, added: “People might think they are getting cheap products, but actually it harms the community as it supports organised crime and affects law-abiding businesses, not to mention the health dangers involved.”

Shaun Trevor, from the council’s trading standards team, said: “Darlington trading standards will act on all complaints received about problem premises, particularly those selling illegal goods to children.”

Local residents have welcomed the action taken by police and trading standards. One commented: “I am very grateful for the attention given regarding the shop, the street has been so much quieter since it was shut down and I don’t have car doors banging until 10 o’clock at night. This makes my life so much more at ease.”

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Anyone with any information relating to potential criminality in their area can call Durham Constabulary on 101, or submit it online via 101 Live Chat at www.durham.police.uk

Alternatively, information can be submitted anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website, www.crimestoppers-uk.org

If you have any information that can assist trading standards can please email tradingstandards@darlington.gov.uk or report it using the online form (this can be done anonymously) at www.darlington.gov.uk/ts-report-it