A two-day operation in Barking and Dagenham has seen Trading Standards officers from Barking and Dagenham Council seize over £17,700 worth of illicit tobacco, vapes, and nicotine pouches as part of Operation CeCe.
On Tuesday 2 and Saturday 6 December, raids were carried out at 11 premises across Barking and Dagenham. From five of these, officers seized a total of 18,860 illicit cigarettes and 33 packs of hand-rolling tobacco, 44 vapes and 163 nicotine pouches that contravened safety legislations.
The operation took place following intelligence gathering from resident complaints and undercover investigations, which also targeted shops that had previously failed test purchases.
Several premises were found to contain sophisticated concealments behind cabinets and above false ceilings designed to hide illegal products. However, the use of highly trained tobacco detection dogs meant these hiding places were successfully uncovered.
The sale of cheap, illicit tobacco is often linked to organised crime, people-trafficking, and exploitation, while also depriving the public purse of tax revenue. Residents have also fedback that the easy availability of cheap cigarettes makes it far harder for them to quit smoking.
Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “This operation sends a clear message that we will not tolerate illegal tobacco and vaping products in Barking and Dagenham. These items not only undermine public health but are often tied to serious criminal activity.
“Our Trading Standards team will continue to take robust action against those who put profit before people.”
Further investigations are pending, and these businesses now face prosecution and temporary closure orders of at least three months.
If residents suspect a shop is selling illegal cigarettes or vapes, they should report it to via tradingstandards@lbbd.gov.uk or to Citizens Advice Consumer Services on 0808 223 1133.