Major Haul of Illegal Tobacco and Nitrous Oxide Seized in Sparkbrook Raid
A joint operation led by Birmingham City Council’s Trading Standards team and supported by West Midlands Police has resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of illicit goods.
The planned enforcement action, carried out this month under Operation CLOUD, followed multiple complaints about the sale of illicit tobacco products and nitrous oxide from the premises. The goods seized included tobacco, illegal vapes and nitrous oxide from a 24/7 retail premises in the Sparkbrook area.
During the raid, officers searched both the business and two associated vehicles. The operation resulted in the seizure of:
- 6,320 illicit and counterfeit cigarettes
- 59 packets of illicit vapes
- 1,750 grams of suspected Amber Leaf hand-rolling tobacco
- 68 large bottles of nitrous oxide, recovered from an abandoned vehicle linked to the business
- One vehicle seized
Two arrests were also made in connection with the investigation and further enquiries are ongoing.
Speaking about the operation, Sajeela Naseer, Director of Regulation and Enforcement at Birmingham City Council, said: “Illegal tobacco, counterfeit products and the unlawful supply of nitrous oxide are serious threats to public health and community safety. This operation shows our continued commitment to working closely with West Midlands Police to protect residents and disrupt those who profit from criminal activity. We will not hesitate to take robust action against anyone involved in the sale of illegal and potentially dangerous goods.”
Residents were encouraged to report any suspicious activity or sales of illegal goods by contacting Birmingham Trading Standards on 0121 303 9360 or West Midlands Police on 101.
