A Closure Order has been enforced at My Pandy, 110 Dunraven Street, Tonypandy, after Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Trading Standards team investigated the illegal sale of cigarettes, tobacco and vaping products.
It follows four other businesses across the county borough that were closed last week after similar investigations.
Trading Standards received seven complaints and six intelligence reports about the shop, including allegations concerning the sale of tobacco products to children. Officers carried out seven successful test purchases, with cigarettes repeatedly sold at considerably lower prices and below the minimum Tobacco Duty rate.
Despite repeated advice, warnings and enforcement visits, the business continued to trade illegally. Officers also found evidence that tobacco products were being deliberately concealed on the premises.
On 4 September 2026, a joint operation led by Trading Standards and supported by Operation CeCe, HM Revenue and Customs and South Wales Police seized 363 packs of cigarettes, two pouches of hand-rolling tobacco and 21 high-capacity disposable vapes. The products either breached tobacco and vaping regulations or were suspected of being counterfeit. The seizure had an estimated retail value of £5,660, with an estimated tobacco duty loss of £3,561.40.
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.”
He said: “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.”
My Pandy has been boarded up with the support of the council’s Corporate Estates Team.
Some of the activity formed part of Operation CeCe, a national initiative between National Trading Standards and HMRC aimed at disrupting the illegal tobacco market and tackling organised criminality.
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.
