Following an intelligence led operation, two local businesses have been caught selling illegal vapes and tobacco products by Barking and Dagenham Council’s Trading Standards team.

The raids took place on Friday 13 June and were supported by a specialist sniffer dog. This resulted in the seizure of 39 oversized and disposable illegal vapes, 5,200 illicit cigarettes, and 25 pouches of hand-rolling tobacco.

Some of these products were discovered in a concealed wall compartment.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “These operations send a clear message that we will not tolerate the sale of illegal tobacco and vaping products in our community. The use of hidden compartments to conceal these items shows the lengths some businesses will go to flout the law.”

Both businesses now face further enforcement proceedings that will include premises licence reviews and/or prosecution.

If residents are aware of a business selling illicit or illegal tobacco and nicotine  products, they can report them directly to the Trading Standards team at this email address tradingstandards@lbbd.gov.uk.