Trading Standards officers carried out a series of coordinated enforcement raids on Saturday, 28 June, targeting multiple retail premises suspected of selling illicit tobacco and vape products. 

The operation, supported by specialist detection dogs, resulted in the seizure of thousands of illegal items and exposed sophisticated concealment tactics used by some retailers.

A total of eight shops across the borough were inspected. Illicit tobacco was discovered in five of them, with some products hidden behind magnetic panels and even inside toilet wall units. The seized items were found to be non-compliant with UK regulations and lacked the required health warnings.

In total, officers confiscated:

• 7,080 illicit cigarettes
• 1.05kg of hand-rolling tobacco
• A number of illegal disposable vapes.

The estimated retail value of the seized goods is just under £6,000.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “This isn’t just about dodging taxes - illicit tobacco and vape sales are often tied to organised crime, people trafficking, and modern slavery.” 

“These operations are vital to protecting our communities and ensuring that local businesses operate within the law.”

Further investigations will now be taking place and potential prosecution will be looked into. 

To report concerns about any retailer in Barking and Dagenham, residents should contact Trading Standards at: tradingstandards@lbbd.gov.uk.