Local Trading Standards teams have delivered a significant hit to organized crime this month, removing more than £56,000 worth of illicit tobacco and vapes from the streets of Barking, Dagenham, and Romford.
In two separate operations, lead by Havering Trading Standards & Barking & Dagenham Trading Standards enforcement officer, supported by police and specialist detection dogs.
Barking and Dagenham: A £20,000 Haul
On Monday, 30 March, Trading Standards officers in Barking and Dagenham conducted targeted inspections that uncovered a substantial stash of illegal goods. The seizure included:
24,460 illicit cigarettes
17 packs of hand-rolling tobacco
24 pouches of chewing tobacco
28 unregulated mixed vapes
Keith Stanger, Director for Enforcement, Regulatory Services and Community Safety, warned that these products are far from “harmless bargains.”
“Illegal tobacco is often linked to organized crime and exploitation. This seizure demonstrates the scale of the trade operating behind the scenes and our commitment to shutting it down.”
Illegal Tobacco seized
Romford: Operation CeCe Strikes Again
Meanwhile, in Havering, a joint effort between Council Trading Standards, S92 Police officers, and Operation CeCe (an HMRC-funded initiative) led to a raid on two Romford businesses.
Using sniffer dogs to locate hidden compartments, teams seized approximately £36,000 worth of illegal vapes and tobacco. Investigations are ongoing, and the businesses involved face potential prosecution and closure orders.
Helen Oakerbee, Havering’s Director of Planning and Public Protection, emphasized the borough’s zero-tolerance policy:
“We will continue to take the strongest action against those committing these crimes. We won’t tolerate anyone selling counterfeit goods in our borough.”
The Hidden Dangers of Illicit Tobacco
While the lower price point may be tempting, the risks are severe. Unlike regulated products, illicit tobacco is not subject to quality controls. Health officials warn that these items often contain:
Contaminants (including dust and animal waste)
Dangerously high nicotine levels * Higher concentrations of toxic chemicals than legal alternatives”
Beyond the health risks, the illegal tobacco trade drains the UK economy of an estimated £1.8 billion annually.
By purchasing these products, consumers are inadvertently funding criminal supply chains. Local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Quit Smoking;
Quit Smoking Today: Barking and Dagenham residents can save an average of £2,338 a year by quitting. For free advice and support call 0208 724 8018.
