Trading Standards officers have seized more than £100,000 worth of illegal cigarettes following a major enforcement operation in Dagenham.

The multi-agency raid, carried out on Heathway on Thursday 16 July, uncovered more than 113,000 illicit cigarette sticks with an estimated street value of over £102,000. Barking and Dagenham Council says it is one of the largest illegal tobacco seizures ever made in the borough.

The operation was led by the council’s Trading Standards team following weeks of intelligence gathering. Officers were joined by the Metropolitan Police, the council’s Private Sector Housing team and a specialist tobacco detection dog.

During searches of the premises, officers discovered large quantities of illegal cigarettes hidden in accommodation above commercial units. The tobacco was concealed beneath makeshift beds, inside suitcases, storage boxes and shopping bags in what investigators believe was an attempt to avoid detection.

The council believes the property was being used as a storage and distribution hub supplying illicit tobacco to a number of shops across Barking and Dagenham. Evidence linking the premises to other businesses across the borough was also recovered during the operation, with investigations continuing into what officers suspect is a wider illegal supply network.

Officers also identified concerns that part of the building may have been operating as an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). Further enquiries are now underway to establish whether housing regulations have been breached.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, said:

“This was a significant seizure and demonstrates our determination to tackle the criminal networks that profit from the sale of illegal tobacco.

“The scale of this find shows why intelligence-led enforcement is so important. We will continue to work closely with our partners to disrupt illegal activity, protect legitimate businesses and keep our communities safe.”

Illegal tobacco is often linked to organised crime and can undermine legitimate retailers by selling products at significantly lower prices. Authorities also warn that illicit cigarettes frequently avoid safety standards and reduce tax revenues that fund public services.

The investigation remains ongoing, with Trading Standards officers continuing to examine evidence gathered during the raid and pursuing those believed to be involved in the operation.