The teen is being ‘safeguarded’ and a prohibition order served on the flat above the shop
20:13, 21 May 2026Updated 20:19, 21 May 2026
Police carried out co-ordinated visits at a number of shops in Wolverhampton due to concerns about criminality
Police found a lone 17-year-old boy behind the counter of a city centre shop where suspected counterfeit goods and cannabis/CBD products were seized.
Three men were also found in rooms above the store in School Street, Wolverhampton, last week and were now subject to immigration enquiries.
West Midlands Police said the teen was being ‘safeguarded’, while a prohibition order has been served on the flat, banning anyone from living there.
The store has also been placed under a prohibition notice, as the force seeks a permanent closure order.
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The action was one of the co-ordinated visits carried out due to concerns about criminality.
At another shop in Rookery Avenue, Lanesfield, 20,000 suspected counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco products – some of which were stashed away in boxes for barbeque sets – were found in a car parked outside.
A man, believed to be the owner of the premises, was now being investigated by Wolverhampton Trading Standards for selling non-duty cigarettes.
Police carried out co-ordinated visits at a number of shops in Wolverhampton due to concerns about criminality
Several people were also found to be living in a flat connected to the store, and two were arrested on immigration matters.
A prohibition notice has also been placed on the flat.
Det Insp Lee Medlam from Wolverhampton’s Priority Team, said: “We want to make sure the shops that are in our communities are there to serve and benefit their communities.
“But if we have reason to believe there is illegal activity going on, be it the sale of illegal cigarettes, vapes or other counterfeit goods, we will act.
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“Such activity is often linked to serious organised crime including exploitation of vulnerable people, as well as violence and anti-social behaviour and we are working closely with our partners across the city to bring those involved in this criminality to justice.”
Councillor Qaiser Azeem, cabinet member for resident services at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “We are proud of our dedicated work with colleagues from West Midlands Police to tackle the sales of illicit products including cigarettes and vapes.
“The sale of these items is a problem across the whole of the country and Wolverhampton is no different, but the partnership action we are taking is having a real impact in the city.
“We are determined to identify those responsible for selling these illicit products and hold them to account. By working together we are safeguarding our legitimate businesses and protecting the health of our residents.”
Anyone who suspects illegal activity taking place at a store should report it to police by using the live chat facility at www.west-midlands.police.uk, or by calling 101.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.