A TOWN centre shop was closed down after a second raid on the premises in three months uncovered 37,900 illegal cigarettes and 14.5kg of unlawful tobacco.

The seizure of goods worth £18,838 in unpaid duty, including many counterfeit brands, took place after Herefordshire trading standards officers and West Mercia Police officers executed a search warrant at Europe Quality Food store on Brookend Street, Ross-on-Wye.

It follows the seizure of another 31,000 cigarettes after a raid on the premises on January 5.

After the latest raid using sniffer dogs on Tuesday, April 23, a Herefordshire Council spokesperson said: “Following a history of persistent criminality at the premises, West Mercia Police immediately served a closure notice.

“At Hereford Magistrates’ Court, the shop was ordered to stay closed pending a full court hearing.”

The court was due to consider a police request for a three-month closure order as the Review went to press yesterday (Tuesday, May 7).

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service also took part in the operation to search the premises.

The council spokesperson said: “On the shop premises a bag was found with 134 packets of illegal cigarettes and 36 pouches of illegal hand rolling tobacco.

“In the car park opposite the shop, an associated vehicle contained 1,761 packets of illegal cigarettes and 254 pouches of illegal hand rolling tobacco.

“The total seizure connected to Europe Quality Foods was 37,900 cigarettes and 14.5kg of hand rolling tobacco.

“All the tobacco products seized were non UK duty paid and a large proportion were counterfeit. The duty evasion from this seizure came to the value of £18,838.

“An earlier targeted raid on Europe Quality Foods (January 5, 2019) seized 31,000 illegal cigarettes.

“The sale of illegal tobacco from such retail premises seriously damages honest local business.

“Members of the public are urged to contact Trading Standards on 01432 261761 if they have information regarding the sale of illegal tobacco within Herefordshire.”