A SHOP in Tonypandy has been forced to CLOSE following a successful investigation into the illegal sale of cigarettes, tobacco and vaping products by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council's Trading Standards team.
A Closure Order has been successfully obtained and enforced at My Pandy, 110 Dunraven Street, Tonypandy, CF40 1AS, following a lengthy investigation into ongoing illegal trading activity at the premises, sending a clear message that the illegal supply of tobacco and non-compliant vaping products will not be tolerated in the County Borough.
This latest closure follows a series of important enforcement actions by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council's Trading Standards team. Last week alone, four other businesses across the County Borough were closed following investigations into the illegal sale of tobacco and vaping products, demonstrating the Council's continued commitment to tackle illegal trading and protect local communities.
During the investigation, Trading Standards officers received seven complaints and six intelligence reports relating to the business, including allegations concerning the sale of tobacco products to children.
Officers carried out seven successful test purchases, with cigarettes repeatedly being sold at considerably lower prices and below the minimum Tobacco Duty rate.
Despite receiving repeated advice, warnings and enforcement visits, the business continued to trade illegally. Officers also uncovered evidence that tobacco products were being deliberately concealed within the premises to evade detection.
On 4 September 2026, a joint operation led by the Council’s Trading Standards team and supported by Operation CeCe, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and South Wales Police resulted in a large seizure of illegal tobacco products and non-compliant vaping products.
The seizure included:
- 363 packs of cigarettes
- Two pouches of hand-rolling tobacco
- 21 high-capacity disposable vapes
The products either breached tobacco and vaping regulations or were suspected of being counterfeit.
The seizure removed products with an estimated ‘street’ value of more than £5,600 from local communities.
Illegal tobacco not only undermines legitimate local businesses, it can also make it easier for young people to access harmful products and can hinder attempts by smokers to quit by providing access to cheap illicit alternatives. The illegal tobacco trade is also frequently linked to wider criminal activity.
While many residents have called for businesses involved in illegal tobacco sales to lose their licence, there is currently no licensing scheme for the retail sale of tobacco products in Wales. As a result, Closure Orders remain one of the strongest powers available to local authorities in tackling persistent illegal trading – and we will continue to use them to act every single time an illegally operating business appears in RCT.
Councillor Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Communities, said:
"This closure sends a clear message that illegal tobacco and vape sales will not be tolerated in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
"Our Trading Standards team carried out a lengthy investigation into this business following complaints, intelligence reports and repeated evidence of illegal trading. Despite receiving advice and warnings, the business continued to break the law.
"We know residents get frustrated when they see businesses linked to illegal tobacco sales continue to operate, and we share that frustration. Many people ask why we don't simply remove a licence, but the reality is that there is currently no licence required to sell tobacco products in Wales. That means cases like this often require significant evidence gathering, repeated test purchases and partnership working before action can be taken through the courts."
"However, this case, along with the four closures secured last week, shows that we will continue to use every power available to us. No matter how long an investigation takes, we will pursue the evidence needed to secure Closure Orders to disrupt the business and take action against those involved in illegal trading."
"Those involved in illegal trading should not assume they can avoid enforcement action by moving locations or attempting to continue trading elsewhere. Our officers will continue gathering intelligence, working with partners and taking robust action wherever the evidence leads."
"Illegal tobacco undermines honest local businesses, is often linked to wider criminal activity and can make it easier for young people to access harmful products. That is why we remain committed to tackling this issue and protecting our communities."
“My Pandy has now been boarded up with the support of the Council’s Corporate Estates Team and trade has successfully been disrupted
"I would like to thank our Trading Standards officers and partner agencies for their continued hard work. Their persistence and dedication mean that where businesses refuse to comply with the law, action will be taken."
Some of the activity linked to this case formed part of wider partnership work under Operation CeCe, the national initiative between National Trading Standards and HMRC aimed at disrupting the illegal tobacco market and tackling organised criminality.
Trading Standards officers continue to work with partner agencies to identify and investigate businesses involved in the illegal sale of tobacco and vaping products across Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Anyone with information about the sale of illegal tobacco, cigarettes or vaping products is encouraged to report it through the Council's Illegal Activity Online Form.
For further information, please visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk/TradingStandards
Premises Subject to Closure Order:
My Pandy
110 Dunraven Street
Tonypandy
CF40 1AS
Key Investigation Facts
- Seven complaints received regarding the business, including allegations relating to the sale of tobacco products to children.
- Six intelligence reports submitted to Trading Standards.
- Seven successful test purchases of illegal cigarettes.
- Cigarettes repeatedly sold below standard retail prices and below the minimum Tobacco Duty rate.
- Repeated advice and enforcement action provided by Trading Standards officers.
- Premises continued to trade illegally despite ongoing intervention.
- Evidence indicated deliberate concealment of tobacco products within the premises.
- Joint enforcement operation conducted on 4 September 2026 involving Trading Standards, Operation CeCe, HMRC and South Wales Police.
Products Seized on 4 September 2026
Cigarettes
- Platinum 7: 97 packs
- Top Gun: 10 packs
- Esse Change: 20 packs
- Benson & Hedges: 20 packs
- Oris: 49 packs
- L&M Blue: 55 packs
- Lambert & Butler: 67 packs
- Marlboro: 35 packs
- Manchester: 10 packs
Hand-Rolling Tobacco
- 1 x 30g Golden Virginia
- 1 x 50g Amber Leaf
Non-Compliant Vaping Products
- 20 x Hayati high-capacity disposable vapes (4,000 puffs)
- 1 x Aladin high-capacity disposable vape (20,000 puffs)
Seizure Value
- Estimated retail value: £5,660
- Estimated tobacco duty loss: £3,561.40
Posted on 28/09/2026