Illegal tobacco and vape products have been seized from convenience stores across Powys, including one in Brecon, following a coordinated operation involving Powys County Council and law enforcement agencies.

The multi-agency operation took place on Wednesday, July 2, targeting shops in Brecon, Llanymynech, Newtown, and Welshpool. Officers uncovered sophisticated hidden compartments in three stores, some secured by electromagnets, which concealed large quantities of suspected illegal cigarettes, hand-rolling tobacco, and vaping products.

This crackdown supports Operation CeCe, a national initiative led by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and National Trading Standards, aimed at curbing the sale of illicit tobacco products in the UK.

The operation was carried out with the help of the Operation CeCe Wales Regional Investigation Team, Home Office Immigration Enforcement, and Dyfed-Powys Police Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

At one of the premises - licensed to sell alcohol - suspected illegal activity will be referred to the licensing authority for further review. Additionally, officers found an individual serving at one shop who did not have the right to work in the UK.

Powys County Council’s Trading Standards Services are now reviewing the findings and will decide on appropriate sanctions against the businesses involved.

Cllr Richard Church, Cabinet Member for Legal and Regulatory Services, said: “This is a very good example of collaborative working across several services to protect the local economy. The sale of illicit tobacco is linked to the commission of fraud, money laundering offences and duty evasion.

“We want to keep our communities safe from these illicit activities so that legitimate local businesses are not undermined.”