Two shops in Boston ordered to close over illegal tobacco products

Lincoln Magistrates’ Court issued the closure orders against the Fruit Shop, in High Street, and Market Azadi, in West Street, last Wednesday (April 1).

The orders will run for three months, the maximum period allowed by law.

The action was taken after Lincolnshire Trading Standard joined forces with neighbourhood policing teams from Lincolnshire Police to inspect the shops.

The joint-operation would result in about 60,000 illegal cigarettes being seized and 300 illicit vapes.

At the Fruit Shop, the products were found stashed inside a refrigerator unit and a nearby vehicle, Lincolnshire County Council said.

Two weeks earlier, the same court granted closure orders on two other stores due to the sale of illegal tobacco products – Portland Vape, in Portland Street, Lincoln, and The Red Shop, in Lord Street, Gainsborough.

“Criminal investigations are ongoing,” a spokesman for the council said.

Coun Alex McGonigle, executive councillor for community safety at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Our Trading Standards officers work closely with Lincolnshire Police, taking swift action against shops that peddle dangerous products. Securing closure orders is just one of the tools in our armoury to disrupt the sale of illegal tobacco.

“Let’s be clear: these products are unsafe; they have caused house fires that have killed people in Lincolnshire. Not only that, the shops that sell them contribute to anti-social behaviour and fund organised crime. We will continue to prioritise the safety of our residents and take action to stub out illicit tobacco.

“The intelligence we receive from local communities on the ground is critical in helping us tackle this illegal trade head on. I encourage anyone to come forward with information that may support us with operations moving forward.”

In total, since January 2024, 144 closure orders have been served, the council added, with almost 900,000 illegal cigarettes removed from Lincolnshire’s streets since January 2025.

Insp Michael Head, of the Gainsborough Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Premises involved in the sale of illegal tobacco have a damaging impact on the communities we serve. They are often linked to wider criminality, anti‑social behaviour and serious safety risks, which can make people feel less safe in their own neighbourhoods.

“By working closely with Trading Standards and our partners, we are sending a clear message that this kind of activity will not be tolerated, and we will continue to take action to protect residents and disrupt those who profit from criminal harm in our community.”

Residents can help by reporting instances of illegal tobacco sales or associated criminality, the council said.

“Reporting helps to build a better intelligence picture, to better evidence criminal activity, and to proactively disrupt organised criminals,” the spokesman explained.

To pass on information, call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or visit https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information