Two Swansea-based businesses have been ordered to close their doors for three months
Monsoon Vape was one of the businesses ordered to close for three months(Image: Swansea Council)
Two vape shops in Swansea have been ordered to close for three months following an undercover investigation that also led to four arrests and the seizure of illegal goods, counterfeit tobacco and Class B drugs.
Swansea council’s trading standards team secured closure orders against Morriston & Vape and Monsoon Vape after undercover officers purchased illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco from both premises during test-purchasing exercises.
Following the purchases, trading standards officers carried out follow-up visits to the two shops in September, accompanied by local police.
Searches were also conducted at five residential properties linked to the businesses as part of the investigation. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here
During the operation, officers seized quantities of counterfeit tobacco, illegal vapes and Class B drugs. A vehicle believed to have been used to deliver goods was also seized.
Four people were arrested during the raids. Two were remanded in custody, while the other two were released on bail pending future court appearances.
After trading standards officers applied for closure notices against both premises, magistrates approved them, ordering both to remain closed for three months.
Cabinet member Andrew Williams said: “The latest closures are another great example of the work trading standards is doing to disrupt and close down businesses that are operating illegally.
“It’s completely unacceptable for many of these vape shops to operate in the way they are, selling counterfeit goods, particularly to children.”
