Three people were arrested on Ladypool Road after £10,000 worth of illegal goods were seized in a series of targeted raids across Birmingham. The enforcement action was part of Operation Stance, a force-wide initiative targeting criminality associated with some 24/7 convenience stores, including the sale of illicit tobacco and vapes, unsafe goods, and links to wider organised crime.
Birmingham City Council's Trading Standards team has been working alongside officers from West Midlands Police and partner agencies to carry out these operations at several premises across the city. The activity forms part of an ongoing effort to disrupt criminal networks, protect residents, and support legitimate local businesses.
Between May 12 and 14, three joint enforcement operations were carried out, resulting in the seizure of thousands of pounds worth of illicit goods and action taken against suspected offenders. During one raid in Aston, Trading Standards and officers seized more than 11,000 illicit cigarettes, 2kg of counterfeit hand rolling tobacco, and almost 200 illegal vapes, with an estimated value of around £10,000.
Further activity included coordinated visits to two premises on Ladypool Road as part of Operation Stance and Operation Cloud. Across those operations, officers and Trading Standards teams seized around 8,000 illicit or counterfeit cigarettes, 280 disposable vapes, nine large nitrous oxide canisters, and over 100 illicit smokeless tobacco products. Three arrests were made and one vehicle was seized, with more than £10,000 worth of illegal goods recovered.
Council and Police Vow to Continue Crackdown
Sajeela Naseer, Director of Regulation and Enforcement at Birmingham City Council, said: "Tackling illegal activity linked to some high street mini-mart style shops is a key priority for the council and our partners. These businesses can cause significant harm to local communities, from the sale of unsafe and illicit goods to links with wider organised crime, which undermines legitimate traders and puts residents at risk.
"Through Operation Stance, we are working closely with West Midlands Police and other agencies to take robust enforcement action, remove illegal products from our streets and hold those responsible to account. This joint approach is already delivering results, and we will continue to use every power available to protect our communities and support safe, thriving local high streets."
