Trading Standards - Operation Nicosia
Counterfeit products
Following the seizure of dangerous illicit and counterfeit tobacco products, cigarettes and vapes from concealments, with support from Conwy CCTV operators, Conwy Trading Standards attended Snowdonia Mini Market, 29 Marine Road, Pensarn, LL22 7PS, on 27 October 2026. A Closure Notice was issued to the operator.
On 29 October 2026, officers attended Llandudno Magistrates' Court and successfully applied for a Closure Order. The Court granted the order for a period of three months and awarded costs of £1,860 to Conwy County Borough Council.
Cllr Stephen Price, Conwy's Cabinet Member for Housing, Regulatory and Audit, said:
"We are committed to ensuring the safety of our community and maintaining a fair and equitable trading environment.
“Those businesses that supply illegal tobacco and vape harm legitimate local businesses and are not welcome in Conwy. The message to anyone operating, planning to operate, or knowingly letting a property to such a business is clear: we will use the full force of the law to disrupt illegal activity and close these businesses down.
“I would also like to thank the Council's Trading Standards, and CCTV teams for their dedication and commitment. Without their efforts, this business would have continued selling illegal tobacco and vapes. The message is clear: not in Conwy."
Easy access to cheap tobacco increases the likelihood of children developing a lifelong addiction. Illegal vapes and tobacco products may contain nicotine levels above legal limits, as well as unregulated and potentially dangerous substances that present serious health risks to consumers.
For information about illegal tobacco sales, contact Conwy Trading Standards at trading.standards@conwy.gov.uk.
To report suspected criminal activity anonymously, contact Crimestoppers.
Posted on 30/10/2026