A Swindon convenience store will be closed for three months after unlawful tobacco products were seized from the premises on numerous occasions this year.

Swindon Magistrates Court heard how Polomarket, located at 45-46 Commercial Road, was found to have illegal tobacco products on the premises on five separate occasions between March and October during various police visits and multi-agency operations, despite numerous warnings to those responsible for the shop to stop the unlawful behaviour.

As a result, Swindon Borough Council, supported by Wiltshire Police, applied for a closure order on Wednesday, October 19, which was approved by magistrates.

Having examined the seized products, the Council’s Trading Standards team found they included a number of suspected counterfeit products, a number of foreign products that are not available to purchase in the UK and a number of products that were unlawful as they did not comply with the relevant packaging and health warning regulations.

Licence holder Saman Sabouri, admitted the conduct and told the court he had been out of the country, although was not clear on the exact dates.

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Councillor Cathy Martyn, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Health Inequalities and Housing, said: “It is extremely disappointing we had to apply to the court to take this action, but we had little choice as, despite numerous warnings, the licence holder of the premises continued with this unlawful behaviour.

"Our Trading Standards team work extremely proactively with our colleagues at Wiltshire Police, HMRC and the South West Illegal Tobacco and we will not hesitate to take action against those who break the law in this way."

PC Paul Bezzant from Swindon South Neighbourhood’s Policing Team said: “This is another good example of us working successfully together with Swindon Borough Council and the wider community - listening to the views and concerns of those living and working in the area.

“The illegal tobacco trade has various knock-on harmful effects within our neighbourhoods, not just the obvious health dangers, with links to organised crime.

“Please remember that everyone can help in the fight against this criminality by reporting anyone they suspect of selling smuggled or counterfeit tobacco. They can report anonymously to Trading Standards at www.swillegaltobacco.info/report-it.”

Swindon residents are able to access a free Stop Smoking service by contacting 01793 465 512 or 07341 077530. Alternatively, send an email to swindon.stopsmoking@nhs.net

Anyone who suspects a premises is selling illegal tobacco products can report it to Trading Standards, anonymously, at: www.swillegaltobacco.info/report-it