THURROCK Council has secured a closure order against a Grays shop after it repeatedly sold illicit tobacco and vaping products, despite previous enforcement action. 

Shelby Vapes, 13 Clarence Road, Grays, will not be allowed to open or trade for three months following a ruling by Southend Magistrates Court on Tuesday 16 December 2025. 

The closure follows a series of enforcement actions at the premises. Earlier this year, Trading Standards seized more than 22,000 illicit cigarettes, 2.5kg of hand-rolling tobacco and 255 illegal vapes.

The then business, Shelbys 2020 Limited, was dissolved shortly after, but a new company, Shelbys 3030 LTD, was incorporated in July 2025 with a different director. Despite this, the illegal sales continued. 

The most recent incident took place on 20 October 2025, when Trading Standards officers, supported by Essex Police, Immigration Enforcement and tobacco detection dogs Ziggy and Billy, seized illicit cigarettes from a member of staff.

Further illegal tobacco products were found on display and test purchases carried out before and after the seizure confirmed that illicit cigarettes continued to be sold, meaning that the enforcement activity had not deterred the business from breaking the law. 

The action was part of the joint HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and National Trading Standards initiative, Operation CeCe, which has been working to seize illicit tobacco since January 2021.

Since its launch, Operation CeCe has removed 69 million illegal cigarettes, 19,750kg of hand-rolling tobacco and almost 175kg of shisha products from sale, helping to clamp down on this illicit trade and protect communities across the UK. 

Cllr Lynda Heath, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, Constitutional and Civic Affairs, said: "This is the second closure notice in two weeks by our Trading Standards team, who work tirelessly to tackle illegal sales on our high street, and it sends a clear message: we will take robust action against rogue businesses who continue to break the law selling illicit tobacco and vapes. 

"We are working closely with Essex Police, Immigration and HMRC to tackle these criminals who aren't just selling a cheap pack of cigarettes but are part of much larger organised crime activity in the UK. 

"We know the harm that illegal tobacco causes, not only keeping people hooked on harmful substances but also funding organised crime and taking business away from genuine retailers who follow the law.

"Everyone can play a part in helping our community by making a report if you have any information about shops selling illicit tobacco and vapes." 

To report a shop you suspect might be selling illicit tobacco and vapes, visit: https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/trading-standards-for-consumers/report-illegal-tobacco-and-vapes