The owner of a shop in Dagenham has pleaded guilty at court after Trading Standards Officers from Barking and Dagenham Council discovered large quantities of illicit tobacco on the premises. 

As part of Operation CeCe, officers found the illegal tobacco at M & C Gospodina Market Ltd T/A Gospodina Europe Market, Rainham Road South, Dagenham on two separate occasions: 29 November 2023 and 21 March 2024.

With the help of tobacco detection dogs, the owner, Mr Ciprian Marius Constantin was found in possession of 1980 cigarettes including products of Kent, Dunhill, Sobranie and Pall Mall.

The cigarettes were found in various concealments. 

Mr Constantin pleaded guilty on behalf of himself and the company at Barkingside Magistrates Court on Tuesday 19 November 2024 and magistrate issued sentences of:

Mr Ciprian Marius Constantin

Fine - £700
Costs - £1,076.01
Surcharge - £280

Total- £2,056.01.

To be paid at a rate of £100 per month.  The first payment is due on December 3rd, 2024. A collection order has been made.

M&C Gospodina Market

Fine - £1,166
Costs - £1076.01
Surcharge - £466.

Total- £3,208.01. 

It is imposed for one of the March offences – To be paid at a rate of £100 per month. First payment 3rd December 2024. Collection order made.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: "This is an example of the council’s ongoing efforts to combat the sale of illicit tobacco which we take very seriously in Barking and Dagenham. I hope the fine is a warning to others.”