Cash and illicit tobacco products were seized from above a Leeds shop which has had its premises licence revoked.

Police said two males jumped from upstairs flat windows during an inspection of Gusto Market in Harehills.

When officers gained entry to the flat, illegal vapes and cigarettes were found, along with walkie talkies.

The shop, on Strathmore Drive, faced a review of its licence after the April 18  visit, which also involved council and Trading Standards officers. 

Councillors revoked the licence at a hearing on Monday (June 17).

A police report said: “Officers gained entry to the flat and recovered a substantial amount of illicit and illegal vapes and cigarettes from the flat, along with large amounts of cash.

“Evidence located in the flat showed that the goods were believed to have been stored for Gusto, and to be sold in Gusto.

“Walkie talkies were present in both the store and the flat, suggesting levels of sophistication and organisation to carry out this operation.”

The hearing was told sales of illicit alcohol and tobacco had been widespread in Harehills.

PC Neil Haywood said: “These are dangerous items. The origins are unknown. 

“It’s aimed at the poorest and most vulnerable in society. It’s at a price point where children can afford it.”

Leeds City Council’s licensing sub-committee heard goods had been seized on previous visits when the shop traded as Baba Jaga 2.

After police applied for a licence review last October a new company, Gusto Market Mini Ltd, was incorporated to run the premises. 

Police objected to the name change, their report said, but the council allowed the licensing transfer at a hearing on December 5. 

Monday’s hearing was also told that bottled drinks in the shape of weapons and penises were on sale during the April visit.

Council health improvement specialist Emilia Slezak said: “This is not responsible retailing.

“It glamorises firearms and associates the product with violent behaviour, in an area with already high levels of violence associated with alcohol.”