Two Dunstable town centre businesses have been linked to the sale and storage of illegal tobacco products following a multi-agency enforcement operation.
The operation, led by our Trading Standards team, took place on 15 October 2026 and involved officers from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU), ERSOU's Method of Entry Team and specialist tobacco and drug detection dogs from Specialist K9's.
An inspection was carried out at The Corner Shop, 37 High Street North, and a search warrant was executed at The Dunstable Local Grocery, 31 High Street North, as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt criminal activity, protect legitimate businesses and safeguard local communities.
During the operation, officers seized 3,160 illicit cigarettes and 195 hand-rolling tobacco with an estimated market value of around £70,000.
An investigation by our Trading Standards team, including 11 test purchases between November 2025 and October 2026, found that The Corner Shop was selling illicit tobacco, with stock stored at The Dunstable Local Grocery via a shared rear passageway.
The Corner Shop was previously subject to a three-month closure order after illicit cigarettes and £3,500 in cash were seized. The premises later reopened under the new name in February 2026.
The Dunstable Local Grocery had been dissolved and closed for more than 3 months before the latest enforcement action was taken.
Following evidence gathered during the investigation, we successfully applied for a closure order for The Corner Store, which were granted by Luton Magistrates' Court on 16 October 2026. The order requires the premises to close for 3 months. Entering a premises subject to a closure order is a criminal offence.
Councillor Liz Childs, our Executive Member for Public Protection, said:
These closure orders send a strong message that the sale of illegal tobacco will not be tolerated in Central Bedfordshire.
The Corner Shop was previously subject to a closure order, yet our investigation found illegal activity was continuing. Working closely with our enforcement partners, we gathered the evidence needed to bring this matter back before the courts.
Illegal tobacco harms legitimate businesses and is often linked to organised crime groups responsible for serious criminal activity. Enforcement action like this is not just about removing illegal products from sale, it is about disrupting criminal networks that profit from breaking the law and cause harm in our communities. We will continue to use all available powers to target this activity and protect our communities.
Anyone who suspects a business is selling illegal tobacco or vape products, or supplying age-restricted products to children, is encouraged to report it anonymously to our Trading Standards team.