Two shops selling illegal goods have been forced to close following successful action by Bolton Council and its partners.
On Thursday August 6, trading standards officers, supported by Greater Manchester Police, secured closure orders at Wigan Magistrates’ Court against Teds and Ramis, two separate premises on Derby Street, Bolton.
Both businesses will now remain closed for three months.
These closure orders send a clear message that criminal activity will not be tolerated in our communities.
The court heard evidence that the stores had been involved in the large-scale sale and supply of illicit cigarettes, illegal vapes, narcotics and nitrous oxide, and had strong links to organised crime groups operating in Bolton.
The activity was also associated with significant anti-social behaviour in the Rumworth area and concerns about vulnerable young people being drawn into substance misuse.
The closure orders were granted following a coordinated multi-agency investigation involving Bolton Council trading standards, community safety, Greater Manchester Police and other partners.
Councillor Robert Morrisey, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, said:
“These closure orders send a clear message that criminal activity will not be tolerated in our communities.
“The sale of illicit tobacco, illegal vapes, drugs and nitrous oxide harms local neighbourhoods, fuels organised crime and puts vulnerable people at risk.
“This successful action demonstrates the strength of partnership working in Bolton and our determination to tackle those who profit from criminality.”