Police and officers in Cologne, Rhine-Rhine region undergo joint inspections, as per political agenda 250612-2-K
In the heart of Cologne, on the 11th of June, 2023, a joint operation between the city's Police and Ordnungsamt took place, aiming to enforce criminal, regulatory, and commercial law provisions.
The day began with around 30 individuals being checked in the areas surrounding Wiener Platz, Stadtgarten, and Mülheim Central Station. As the afternoon approached, the focus shifted to the Dellbrück district, specifically Dellbrücker Hauptstraße and Vischeringstraße.
One of the main targets of this operation was Kiosk Guillaume Street, which had been flagged due to repeated violations. Upon inspection, numerous non-compliant or taxable products were secured. It was confirmed that the kiosk was selling illegal tobacco-like products (so-called vapes) to minors, leading to its immediate and provisional closure by the trade office.
Simultaneously, control and presence measures were carried out in the districts of Dünnwald, Holweide, and Thielenbruch, especially at public transport stops. In other kiosks, violations of commercial labeling obligations, unauthorized video surveillance, and violations of the Pricing Act were found.
The operation took an unexpected turn when one 17-year-old was taken into custody for disrupting the measures and refusing to comply with an eviction order. Despite extensive searches, no specific information about a person arrested on the evening of the 11th for involvement in conflicts and resistance against the police was available.
Throughout the operation, a total of 60 personal checks, six risk assessments, and various traffic violations were penalized. However, no information was provided about any illegal tobacco sales being stopped during the operation, except for at Kiosk Guillaume Street.
The city of Cologne has initiated measures against these violations in other kiosks, and the Cologne Police Headquarters Press Office can be contacted for press inquiries. The contact information for the Press Office is Walter-Pauli-Ring 2-651103 Cologne, Telephone: 0221/229 5555, Email: [email protected].
The operation serves as a reminder of the city's commitment to maintaining law and order, ensuring compliance with regulations, and protecting the public, especially the younger generation from the dangers of illicit activities.
