Illegal tobacco seized and Northwich shop closed following joint operation

More than 35,000 illicit cigarettes and over 15kg of hand-rolling tobacco have been seized following a joint operation by Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Trading Standards and Cheshire Police.

On 3rd July 2026, five premises in Winsford and Northwich were visited as part of ongoing efforts to tackle the sale of illegal tobacco products across the borough.

During the operation, officers seized 35,760 cigarettes and 15.35kg of hand-rolling tobacco suspected of being illegal. Three vehicles were also seized, and one man was arrested.

Following the operation, the Council's legal services team successfully applied for a Closure Order at court in relation to Chester Road Market, 63 Chester Road, Northwich, CW8 1HG. The order requires the premises to close for three months, until 6 October 2026.

The closure order was granted after evidence gathered by Trading Standards and Cheshire Police showed the premises were linked to ongoing criminal activity associated with the sale of illegal tobacco.

Councillor Stuart Bingham, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhood Pride said:

"The illegal tobacco trade is far from a victimless crime. It undermines honest businesses, puts unregulated products into our communities and provides a source of income for criminal networks.

"Let this closure order send a clear message: if you are involved in the sale of illegal tobacco in Cheshire West and Chester, we will take action. Working with Cheshire Police and our enforcement partners, we will continue to target those responsible, disrupt their activities and use every power available to protect our residents and legitimate local traders.

"I would encourage anyone with information about the sale of illicit tobacco to report it so that appropriate action can be taken."

Illegal tobacco is often sold at a significantly reduced price because no duty is paid on the products. It can also undermine efforts to reduce smoking rates and the tobacco products may not meet UK safety standards.

The Council and Cheshire Police will continue to work together to identify and take action against those involved in the supply and sale of illegal tobacco products across the borough.

Anyone with information about the sale of illegal tobacco can report it anonymously to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on:

0808 223 1133

...or online at: 

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer .