Monmouthshire County Council’s Trading Standards has led a multi-agency operation to seize a significant quantity of illegal tobacco from a retail premises in Abergavenny.

This enforcement action took place on Thursday, April 23, 2026. It involved officers from Monmouthshire Trading Standards, supported by the Operation CeCe Wales Regional Investigation Team and Gwent Police.

This operation forms part of Operation CeCe, a national initiative jointly-run by HM Revenue & Customs and National Trading Standards, aimed at disrupting the illegal tobacco trade across the UK.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service is currently reviewing evidence and will consider appropriate enforcement action against the business.

A Monmouthshire County Council spokesperson said: “This operation sends a strong message that illegal tobacco has no place in our communities. These products not only undermine legitimate businesses but also pose significant health risks to consumers.  

We want to thank our officers and partners for their efforts.”

To find out more about the MCC’s Trading Standards, please visit: www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/trading-standards