Coventry stores targeted as three arrested in raids

Three people have been arrested after a Coventry operation targeting High Street stores suspected of selling illegal goods and being linked to wider criminal activity.

Operation Stance saw officers visit shops in Coundon, Foleshill and Barras Green last week, with Coventry Council Trading Standards seizing counterfeit goods, illegal tobacco and vapes. Police said the action also led to the recovery of more than 140 bags of Class B drugs from one store after an alert by police dog Lucky.

Two men were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply. A third man was later arrested for immigration offences.

Operation Stance visits in three Coventry areas

The activity was carried out by the Serious Organised Crime and Exploitation team, working with Coventry Council Trading Standards, a dog unit and a drones team.

The stores visited were in Coundon, Foleshill and Barras Green. The operation focused on High Street premises suspected of selling illicit products, including counterfeit tobacco and illegal vapes.

Police said the sale of counterfeit cigarettes, vapes and other goods is not being treated as minor offending, because it can be connected to organised crime, exploitation, violence and anti-social behaviour.

The Coventry action follows a wider pattern of enforcement against shops accused of selling illegal tobacco and vapes, including previous Coventry illegal tobacco cases and similar Trading Standards action in other cities.

Drugs, tobacco and vapes seized

During the visits, Trading Standards officers seized hundreds of counterfeit goods, illegal tobacco products and vapes.

The most serious seizure came after police dog Lucky indicated at one of the stores. Officers then recovered more than 140 bags of Class B drugs, according to the account released by Coventry City Council.

Two men were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply following that discovery. A third man was arrested later in the operation for immigration offences.

Sgt Kelly Eaves, from the exploitation team, said the illegal sale of counterfeit cigarettes, vapes and other goods “is not harmless or low-level crime”. She said it undermines honest independent businesses and is often linked to wider organised criminality.

“Our priority is keeping the people of Coventry safe and supporting the local businesses that do the right thing every day,” Sgt Eaves said.

Closure orders may follow

Trading Standards will now review the seizures and put in for closure orders on stores found to be selling illegal goods.

Cllr John McNicholas, Coventry City Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cohesion, said the operation showed the effect of joint work between the council and police.

“This is an important warning to any traders who believe they can avoid criminal action when selling illicit products,” he said.

Residents who know of High Street stores selling illegal goods or illicit substances have been asked to contact police on 101 or report concerns through Coventry City Council’s business and licensing channels.

Source: Coventry City Council