On 26 February 2026, Devon & Cornwall Police announced that two shops in the South Devon area have been shuttered for selling illegal and counterfeit tobacco. JR Mini Market in Teignmouth and KA Mini Market in Paignton were both ordered to close for three months to stop the illegal trade.
The legal orders were granted at Newton Abbot Magistrates Court on Monday, 23 February 2026. This action follows a joint investigation by the police and the Heart of the South West Trading Standards into businesses profiting from unlawful activity.
In a separate move, a residential flat on Fore Street in Brixham was also closed by officials. This property was shut down because of persistent anti-social behaviour and a recent police drugs warrant search.
It is now a criminal offence for anyone to enter these properties, and police will be carrying out regular checks to ensure the closures are respected. Only the landlord, uitlities and postal wrokers and emergency services are allowed inside, and any unauthorised people found on the premises could face arrest.
Inspector Pete Giesens said that businesses choosing to trade illegally should expect robust action from the police. Residents who are concerned about similar issues in their own neighbourhoods are encouraged to report them through the police website.
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