Sandwell Council has closed 11 shops across Cradley Heath and Smethwick as part of a crackdown on the sale of illegal goods.
The latest closure is Ranya Express in Smethwick, following a joint operation by Sandwell Council, West Midlands Police and partner agencies. The action was taken after complaints about the sale of illicit tobacco and nitrous oxide, as well as nuisance and anti-social behaviour at the premises.
This follows the closure of 10 shops in Cradley Heath in extensive intelligence-led operations targeting businesses suspected of illegal activity.
What the council says
Councillor Bob Jones, Cabinet Member for Environment and Enforcement, said: "Our work to tackle illegal trading doesn't stop in Cradley Heath. We are taking action across the whole of Sandwell, and wherever we find evidence of illegal activity, we will use the powers available to us to tackle it to help keep Sandwell safe."
Police perspective
Neighbourhood Inspector Westley Smith, Sandwell South, said the illegal sale of counterfeit cigarettes and nitrous oxide is not harmless or low-level crime. It undermines legitimate businesses and is often linked to wider organised criminality including the exploitation of vulnerable people, violence and anti-social behaviour.
"Our priority is keeping the people of Sandwell safe and supporting the local businesses that do the right thing every day," he said. "We will continue working closely with partners including the Council's Trading Standards team, to target those involved in this illegal activity and take action against the shops facilitating it."
Ongoing work
Sandwell Council continues to work with West Midlands Police and other partner agencies to gather evidence, disrupt criminal activity, protect residents and support legitimate businesses and local high streets.