Two Darlington shops closed for selling illegal vapes and cigarettes

The MM Mini Market on North Road and Cockerton Mini Market on West Auckland Road were ordered to close for three months by magistrates in Peterlee on Wednesday (April 29).

Between April 2024 and January 2026, Darlington trading standards visited Cockerton Mini Market three times, seizing illegal goods with a sale value estimated at more than £12,000 including 436 packets of cigarettes, 144 packets of hand rolling tobacco and six vapes.

Cockerton Mini Market (Image: DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL)

The items were found hidden in black rubbish bags among the bins and in the garden.

Seizures were also made from a vehicle parked at the rear of the premises.

Illicit cigarettes were also sold to test purchasers on five separate visits.

The MM Mini Market only opened in September 2025, but reports started to emerge of intimidating behaviour, including a man touting for business from a car outside.

MM Mini Market (Image: DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL)

Four test purchases also confirmed the sale of illegal cigarettes from the business which has close links to neighbouring SB International Food Store.

SB International Food Store was shut down for three months in December after selling illegal vapes and cigarettes, including to children, and has not reopened.

Cllr Jim Garner, cabinet member for stronger communities on Darlington Borough Council, said: “Local residents and businesses have been adversely affected by the protracted criminal activity, anti-social behaviour and nuisance associated with these retail premises.

“While we are delighted to have halted their operations, our work to frustrate and disrupt the illegal tobacco market across Darlington continues.

“Delivering safer, healthier communities, ensuring local people live well for longer and building a strong, sustainable local economy are three of our main priorities and we will do everything in our power to rid the town of criminal trading practices which undermine  honest local businesses and place  public health at risk by encouraging smoking and targeting young people with pocket money prices.” 

Inspector David Littlefair, from Darlington Neighbourhood Police Team, added: “This type of criminal activity helps fund organised crime groups and goes hand-in-hand with drug dealing, child exploitation and money laundering.

“We remain committed to protecting our local communities from the very real dangers posed by these businesses and continue to work closely with the council to end these illegal operations.”