Exeter mini-market shut down after £11k illegal tobacco raids

An Exeter mini-market has been shut down for three months after repeatedly selling illegal tobacco and attempting to evade officers in a series of dramatic incidents, a court has heard.

District Judge Smith approved a closure order on The Mini Market, 156 Cowick Street, at Exeter Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (26 November), following a joint operation by Heart of the South West Trading Standards and Devon & Cornwall Police. 

It is the 14th illegal-tobacco-related closure in Devon in just six months, following similar actions in Honiton, Exmouth, Plymouth and Torquay.

The court heard that the shop’s proprietor ignored multiple warnings and continued to sell illicit tobacco, with more than £11,000 worth of contraband seized across five separate raids. Officers reported several attempts by individuals linked to the shop to flee with bags of illegal tobacco. 

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In May 2025, a man was seen fleeing through the rear exit carrying hundreds of cigarette packets. 

In August, police intercepted a vehicle connected to the business containing more illicit tobacco. 

A further incident in September saw another man caught running from the premises with 168 cigarette packs and 28 pouches. 

Most recently, officers found a man on the shop roof with two bags of illegal tobacco as they arrived to serve the closure notice.

Trading Standards confirmed that the closure was secured under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. 

They said that all Trading Standards visits are individually risk assessed, that officers wear stab vests and safety boots, and that they are supported by Devon & Cornwall Police on almost all illicit tobacco operations.

Alex Fry, Operations Manager for Trading Standards, said the persistent illegal activity left authorities with no alternative but to pursue closure. 

He said the ongoing sales risked making cheap tobacco easily available to young people and undermined legitimate retailers across the city. Councillor Simon Clist, Cabinet Member for Trading Standards, said the case underlined the council’s commitment to supporting lawful businesses and taking firm action against those that do not comply.

Inspector Nathan Johnson from the Exeter Neighbourhood Police Team praised the strong joint working between local police teams and legal services, adding that officers will continue to respond to information from the public, protect communities and tackle organised criminality in Exeter.

Judge Smith warned that if the shop reopens after the three-month order expires, it will be “under a very close eye”. 

The Mini Market is now closed until late February 2026.