Eight vape shops across Swansea will remain shut for up to three months after magistrates backed council action against the sale of illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco.
The closures follow Operation Ceecee & Marvel, a three‑day joint operation led by Swansea Council’s Trading Standards with support from South Wales Police, HMRC, Home Office Immigration officers and tobacco detection dogs.
Raids lead to extended closures
Officers targeted 14 shops where earlier test purchases had confirmed illicit sales. Nine were issued with temporary 48‑hour closure notices while the council sought longer orders through the courts. Magistrates have now approved applications to extend the closure of eight shops, while the owner of the ninth has opted to shut down permanently.
The shops ordered to remain closed are:
- Morriston Mini Market, 86 Woodfield Street, Morriston
- Crystal Vapes, 95 High Street, Gorseinon
- World of Vapes, 89 St Teilo Street, Pontarddulais
- Bob Marley Vapes, 75 St Helen’s Road, Swansea city centre
- Asia Vapes, 40 St Helen’s Road, Swansea city centre
- Kubus Vapes, 31b St Helen’s Road, Swansea city centre
- Bob CBD Vapes, 29 Union Street, Swansea city centre
- Snoop Vapes, 71 High Street, Swansea city centre
Illegal goods seized and arrests made
The raids led to the seizure of 971 packs of cigarettes, 970 packets of hand‑rolling tobacco and 2,292 vapes, with a combined retail value of more than £77,000. Five vehicles linked to the shops were also confiscated, and 11 people were arrested in connection with the sales.
Council and police warn of risks
Andrew Williams, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Services (Performance), said:
“This council is taking the sale of illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco in Swansea very seriously. Our Trading Standards Team has made this issue a priority… I’m delighted that magistrates have supported our applications to extend the closure of eight shops in the city.”
Inspector Andrew Hedley, South Wales Police, added:
“Counterfeit tobacco and vapes are not only illegal, but they are incredibly dangerous for those who use them. These businesses were all given warnings to stop selling these items but disregarded them. They will now face prosecution for various offences as a result.”
