Two businesses in Kirklees have been ordered to close for three months after police and Trading Standards repeatedly uncovered illegal cigarettes, tobacco and vaping products during inspections.
Kingsgate News in Huddersfield and the Mini Market on South Street in Dewsbury were locked and secured by police on November 4 after Kirklees Magistrates’ Court granted premises closure orders the previous day.
The orders remain in force until February 2 and prohibit anyone other than police officers from entering the premises.
Anyone breaching the orders could face up to 12 months in prison or a fine.
Almost 15,000 Cigarettes Detailed In Seizures
West Yorkshire Police said officers worked alongside West Yorkshire Trading Standards during a series of operations at both businesses throughout 2026.
At Kingsgate News, an inspection in August uncovered 83 packets containing 20 cigarettes each, amounting to 1,660 cigarettes.
Officers also found 29 50g pouches of hand-rolling tobacco and 20 oversized vapes.
Police said all of the products were unlicensed.
At the Dewsbury Mini Market, officers carried out several inspections during the year.
An April visit uncovered 326 packets of cigarettes, each containing 20 cigarettes, equivalent to 6,520 cigarettes, alongside 49 pouches of hand-rolling tobacco.
A further inspection in May found another 340 packets, or 6,800 cigarettes, together with another 49 tobacco pouches.
The seizures detailed by police therefore amounted to almost 15,000 cigarettes across the two premises.
Further Breaches Found In October
Police said further licensing breaches were identified at both stores during October.
Officers subsequently worked with Kirklees licensing staff and force solicitors to seek closure orders.
Inspector Mark Pattinson of Kirklees Police said both businesses had been found repeatedly breaching licensing requirements throughout 2026 and had continued selling illegal and unlicensed goods.
Police Warn Of Organised Crime Links
Police said removing illicit tobacco and vaping products from shops helps protect customers because such products may be unregulated and untested.
Inspector Pattinson said illegal products can contain dangerous levels of nicotine and other harmful substances.
He also said proceeds from illegal tobacco sales can be used to fund organised criminal activity.
Police said disrupting that source of income formed part of the reason for pursuing the closure orders.
More Intelligence Received After Closures
Sergeant George Rawlinson said police had already received further intelligence about suspected illegal activity in Kirklees town centres following the closures.
He said officers would now develop that information for potential future action.
Residents were encouraged to continue reporting suspected criminal activity and the sale of illegal goods to police or anonymously through Crimestoppers.
Police also advised members of the public with information about traders selling cheap or illicit tobacco to contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline.
