Four shops in Boston, Lincoln and Gainsborough have been ordered to close after Lincolnshire Trading Standards caught them selling illegal tobacco products.
Lincoln Magistrates’ Court issued a three-month closure order (the maximum period allowed by law) on Wednesday 1 April for two premises in Boston – the Fruit Shop on the High Street and Market Azadi, on West Street.
Trading Standards officers joined forces with neighbourhood police teams to inspect the shops, seizing approximately 60,000 illegal cigarettes and 300 vapes.
At the Fruit Shop they discovered the dangerous products stashed inside a refrigerator unit and a nearby vehicle.
Previously, the same court granted closure orders on Wednesday 18 March for two more stores – Portland Vape on Portland Street, Lincoln and The Red Shop on Lord Street, Gainsborough.
Criminal investigations are ongoing.
Cllr 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, with almost 900,000 illegal cigarettes removed from Lincolnshire’s streets since January 2025.
Inspector Michael Head, 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. Reporting helps to build a better intelligence picture, to better evidence criminal activity, and to proactively disrupt organised criminals.
Reporting is easy and 100% anonymous. Call Crimestoppers today: 0800 555 111, or give information online: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information
Illegal cigarettes were found in a car connected to Fruit Shop, Boston
Illegal cigarettes were found hidden in a refrigerator at Fruit Shop, Boston
A 3 month closure notice was issued on The Fruit Shop, High Street, Boston
Market Azadi, West Street, Boston, was served with a closure notice by Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on 1st April.
