Four shops were visited last week (two in Chester and two in Ellesmere Port) by Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire Police, Immigration and HM Revenue and Customs.

In total, officers seized 6,400 cigarettes and 1.8kg tobacco. During the operation, officers with a tobacco detection dog discovered illegal goods behind a false wall and in hidden compartments.In addition, a further four premises have been shut down this week.

The closure orders were granted following an application by the Council’s Trading Standards and Legal Services teams.

A to Z convenience store, 27 High Street, Northwich

King Vape, 10 High Street, Neston

E.port Off Licence, 31 Marina Drive, Ellesmere Port

Kubus, 20 Frodsham Street.

ChesterKubus is being closed for the first time, following persistent sales of illicit tobacco.The other three shops are now all subject to an additional three month closure order, after reopening and continuing to sell illicit tobacco.

Councillor Stuart Bingham, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhood Pride, said: “We will continue to close businesses that are repeatedly selling illegal tobacco, illegal vapes and age-restricted products. They are a danger to our communities and also undermine responsible traders.“Illegal tobacco and vapes are often linked to wider criminality and can be sold without the safety checks and standards expected of legitimate products.

“These businesses will not be tolerated in Cheshire West and Chester. We will continue to take robust action to protect residents, particularly young people, from harm.”

Anyone with information about the sale of illegal tobacco, illicit vapes or other age-restricted products can report concerns through the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133.