Vape shop shut down after discovery of illegal tobacco stash

01/10/26

A shop in Stowmarket has been forced to close for three months after a joint operation discovered illegal and potentially harmful vapes and tobacco – including goods with a street value of almost £16,000 stashed under a concrete floor.

A successful joint operation between Mid Suffolk District Council, Suffolk Trading Standards and Suffolk Police has today seen a closure order served on Diamond Vapes in Ipswich Street, Stowmarket.

The closure notice follows numerous complaints since the shop opened in 2024 – including claims that children as young as nine-years-old were being sold vapes – and repeated warnings and enforcement visits.

Following a test purchase in April 2025, Suffolk Trading Standards carried out an investigation of the premises, seizing 227 illegal vapes.

Warnings were sent to the landlord of the shop and to the business owner at that time, but despite subsequent changes of tenant, reports of illicit activity and underage sales continued.

Suffolk Trading Standards returned to the shop in July this year, with Suffolk police and a tobacco detection dog.

This time, officers seized 106 illegal vapes, before discovering a hideaway cut into the floor. Using a crowbar to remove the concrete covering it, they discovered 424 hidden packs of illegal cigarettes and 203 pouches of hand-rolling tobacco with a street value of almost £16,000. See the moment the tobacco was discovered by visiting the Suffolk Constabulary YouTube channel.

In light of this persistent criminal activity, Mid Suffolk District Council, supported with evidence from Suffolk Trading Standards and Suffolk Police, successfully applied to Ipswich Magistrates Court for a closure order, under section 80 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 against Sarchl Ltd. This now prevents the business from opening for a period of three months.

Similar action was taken against a nearby store owned by the same landlord last June, following another Mid Suffolk District Council-led operation. Previously trading as Star Convenience, the shop has now been rebranded as Moldova. Trading Standards will continue to monitor sales and take appropriate enforcement action if required, as and when each store reopens.

Cllr Tim Weller, Mid Suffolk’s cabinet member for environment, culture and wellbeing, said: “I am delighted that by working with Suffolk Trading Standards and Suffolk police we have been able to demonstrate our council’s zero-tolerance approach to the sale of illegal and potentially dangerous tobacco and vapes.

“This closure order is the result of thorough investigation, community intelligence, and partnership working and we will continue to work together, using all powers at our disposal, to protect our communities from crime and anti-social behaviour, while supporting legitimate traders on our high streets.”

Cllr June Mummery, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for coastal affairs, communities and public health, said: “Illegal tobacco and vape sales hurt our communities and undermine honest businesses. If you're involved in this trade, think again, because action will be taken.

“I welcome the Government’s recent commitment to longer closure orders, although I would like to see even tougher action. I think shops that break the law should be closed, period.

“Thank you to our Trading Standards team and partners for their work in protecting residents and supporting legitimate local businesses.”

Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said, “I am a great believer in the power of collaboration and this joint operation shows just how well Suffolk agencies work together for the benefit of all.

“Removing illegal traders from our high streets is critical to a safe and prosperous town centre. Improving the shopper experience is essential and in this current climate our legitimate traders need all the help they can get. Well done to everyone involved.”

Sales of illegal tobacco and vapes can be reported to trading standards via Citizens Advice's consumer service on 0808 223 1133.