A Merthyr Tydfil town centre shop has been ordered to close after repeated sales of illicit tobacco and vaping products.
On 10 September 2026, Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court ordered DJ Mini Market, High Street, Merthyr Tydfil, to close under section 80 of the Anti‑Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. The Closure Order followed an application by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council’s Trading Standards team.
The court was told Trading Standards had carried out several enforcement operations at the premises relating to the possession and supply of illegal cigarettes, tobacco and vapes. The council said the activities presented a nuisance and unfair competition to legitimate businesses.
Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, working with South Wales Police as part of the Merthyr Tydfil Together initiative, has prioritised disruption measures such as closure orders to tackle criminal behaviour linked to serious organised crime.
Craig Rushton, Trading Standards Team Leader, said: “Businesses involved in the sales and distribution of illicit cigarettes show a blatant disregard for the law. It signifies a conscious, reckless decision to put the health and wellbeing of the people of Merthyr Tydfil at risk by exposing them to cheap unregulated products with no legal market. These products undermine legitimate traders, evade tax and put our residents at risk.”
Cllr David Jones, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Member for Public Protection, said: “Illegal tobacco and vaping products pose real risks to public health. They are often unregulated and more accessible to children and young people. Robust enforcement action helps protect our communities from tobacco‑related harm.
“We will continue to use the full range of powers available to us to disrupt criminal activity and protect our communities. Closure orders send a clear message that we will not tolerate businesses selling illegal tobacco or vaping products in Merthyr Tydfil.”
