Two Exeter shops shut down after illegal tobacco raids linked to organised crime

Two Exeter shops have been ordered to close for three months after trading standards officers uncovered repeated illegal tobacco sales and links to organised crime. 

Closure orders were granted at Exeter Magistrates’ Court on Monday for Quick Stop on Fore Street and the European Shop on Sidwell Street. 

Both premises have a long history of trading in illegal tobacco despite multiple warnings and enforcement visits. 

The action is part of a wider regional crackdown, marking the 15th and 16th such closures in just six months, following similar shutdowns in Honiton, Exmouth, Plymouth and Torquay. 

The closures were issued under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Investigators reported increasingly sophisticated concealment methods at both Exeter shops. 

READ NEXT: Exeter City issues key update as club takes steps to stabilise finances

At Quick Stop, officers found electromagnetic secret doors and a hydraulic ram-operated ceiling compartment used to hide illegal stock. 

During the latest visit, illegal tobacco products were also discovered in two vehicles linked to the shop, which were seized along with the contraband. More than £9,000 worth of illegal tobacco has been confiscated from Quick Stop this year.

At the European Shop, a man was seen fleeing from a makeshift hut at the rear of the premises during the enforcement visit. 

Inside, officers found bags of illicit tobacco. Investigators believe orders were placed in the shop, relayed via two-way radios, and then passed through a hole from the hut into the store. 

More than £4,000 worth of illegal goods has been seized from the Sidwell Street business in 2025.

Heart of the South West Trading Standards highlighted the risks involved in these operations and the essential support of police officers. 

A spokesperson said: “The closures are made under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. The evidence is generally gathered by Trading Standards, with the operational enforcement being supported by Devon and Cornwall Police and the hearing presented by DCP Legal.” 

“All Trading Standards visits are risk assessed, which is why our officers wear stab vests, safety boots and have the police with us on almost all illicit tobacco visits.”

Alex Fry, Operations Manager for Heart of the South West Trading Standards, added: “Trading Standards will continue to work with the police to stamp out the illegal tobacco trade. These are not victimless crimes.”

“Not only does the availability of cheap products make it easier for children to start smoking, our intelligence suggests that these shops have links to organised crime groups.”

The three-month closure orders mean both Exeter shops will remain shut until at least March 2026, with further enforcement action possible if illegal activity continues.