The latest closure is Ranya Express in Smethwick, following a joint operation involving Sandwell Council, West Midlands Police and other partner agencies.

The action followed complaints relating to the sale of illicit tobacco and nitrous oxide, as well as nuisance and anti-social behaviour linked to the premises.

It comes after 10 shops were closed in Cradley Heath as part of extensive intelligence-led operations targeting businesses involved in suspected illegal activity.

Councillor Bob Jones, Cabinet Member for Environment and Enforcement, said: “Our work to tackle illegal trading doesn’t stop in Cradley Heath.

“We are taking action across the whole of Sandwell, and wherever we find evidence of illegal activity, we will use the powers available to us to tackle it to help keep Sandwell safe.”

Neighbourhood Inspector, Westley Smith, Sandwell South, said: “The illegal sale of counterfeit cigarettes and nitrous oxide is not harmless or low-level crime.

“It undermines businesses that are operating in accordance with the law and is often linked to wider organised criminality including the exploitation of vulnerable people, violence and anti-social behaviour.

“Our priority is keeping the people of Sandwell safe and supporting the local businesses that do the right thing every day.

“We will continue working closely with partners including the Council’s Trading Standards team, to target those involved in this illegal activity and take action against the shops facilitating it.”

The sale of illicit tobacco, illegal vapes, counterfeit goods and other illegal products harms communities, undermines legitimate businesses and, in some cases, be linked to wider criminal activity.

The Council continues to work closely with West Midlands Police and other partner agencies to gather evidence, disrupt criminal activity, protect residents and support legitimate businesses and local high streets.