**Newport Authorities Target Illegal Tobacco Sales with Major Citywide Clampdown**
A determined two-year campaign against the illicit tobacco trade in Newport has resulted in significant action, including the closure of 25 shops and the confiscation of large quantities of illegal goods. This ongoing effort, instigated by Newport City Council in conjunction with South Wales Police, marks one of the most robust moves yet to curb the supply of unlawful tobacco and vaping products in the region.
Launched in October 2023 under the name Operation Firecrest, the initiative has targeted shops across Newport suspected of selling counterfeit tobacco products and unregulated vapes. The operation has not only seen numerous businesses forcibly closed through legal orders but has also led to the seizure of hundreds of thousands of cigarettes, nearly 200 kilograms of hand-rolled tobacco, and tens of thousands of illicit disposable vapes.
Over the full duration of the operation, local officials have reported that 481,790 illegal cigarettes were removed from circulation. In addition, authorities netted 199 kilograms of unauthorised, hand-rolled tobacco – roughly equivalent to almost 200,000 individual cigarettes – and a staggering 26,856 illegal disposable vaping devices. As a result, 25 shop properties were subject to closure orders by the courts, disrupting the trade at its source.
Although these closure orders are temporary in nature, Newport City Council has continued to work closely with landlords to ensure that future tenants operate lawfully and uphold community standards. In cases where properties have reopened, officials say that continued monitoring is in place to prevent repeat offences. Interestingly, while some former problem premises have changed their use or now stand empty, others have resumed trading after changes to ensure compliance with regulations.
One area particularly fraught with illegal activity once hosted five separate outlets selling illicit cigarettes and vapes. All of these businesses were brought before magistrates, with closure orders issued for each. According to the council, the aftermath has varied: some shops have reopened legally, while others have either remained closed or changed hands.
In 2023, an intensified operation on Newport’s Commercial Street also led to the removal of “significant quantities” of illegal goods from shop shelves. This specific intervention resulted in five shops being subjected to closure orders, and three individuals faced prosecution for fraudulent trading to which they ultimately pleaded guilty.
Commenting on the broader impact of the clampdown, Councillor Mark Spencer stated, “The illegal trade of tobacco and vapes poses a real threat to Newport residents and damages the communities where these crimes occur. Our message is unequivocal – such activities will not be tolerated in our neighbourhoods or across the city.” Spencer went on to express thanks to landlords who had heeded advice about their tenants, urging continued vigilance from property owners in the fight against illicit trade.
Despite this progress, there is a recognition amongst councillors and enforcement agencies that current closure orders are only a temporary fix. Calls have been made for stronger legislative tools to be handed down from national government, allowing councils to take firmer, more permanent action against repeat offenders and the premises involved.
Amidst these enforcement efforts, the legal landscape surrounding vaping products in Wales has also shifted recently. It is now unlawful for businesses to sell or supply single-use disposable vapes; all devices must be both rechargeable and refillable to meet the law. This ban aims to tackle the environmental and health harms associated with cheap, easily discarded vaping products, closing a loophole often exploited by sellers of illegal goods.
The issue of empty shops in Newport has come under scrutiny in parallel, with some claiming that the city has an unenviable reputation for vacant properties. However, the council maintains that removing illegal traders from retail units is essential for protecting public health and restoring confidence in the high street.
As Newport grapples with these overlapping challenges, Operation Firecrest stands as a high-profile example of what can be achieved when local authorities and law enforcement collaborate. The operation is ongoing, with both partners urging residents and landlords alike to report any suspicions and help stamp out the illicit tobacco market for good.