A major Trading Standards operation has taken over £19,000 worth of illegal tobacco off the streets of Barking and Dagenham.

The two-day crackdown - part of Operation CeCe - saw officers seize more than 25,000 illicit cigarettes and over 100 packs of hand-rolling tobacco from six premises, following raids across the borough.

On 25 and 27 September, Trading Standards officers carried out inspections at 13 locations, acting on intelligence from resident complaints and undercover investigations. The operation targeted shops that had previously failed test purchases and uncovered sophisticated concealments and chutes used to hide illegal products.

Thanks to highly trained tobacco detection dogs, officers were able to locate and seize the hidden goods, which had a combined street value of £19,061.

The sale of illicit tobacco is often linked to organised crime, people-trafficking, and exploitation. Residents have also raised concerns that the easy availability of cheap cigarettes undermines efforts to quit smoking, which comes at an important time as we enter Stoptober. 

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, said: "This operation sends a clear message that we will not tolerate illegal tobacco sales in our borough. These products not only harm public health but also fuel criminal networks.

“I want to thank our Trading Standards team for their tireless work in protecting residents and keeping our communities safe."

If residents suspect a shop is selling illegal cigarettes or vapes, please report it to: tradingstandards@lbbd.gov.uk or Citizens Advice Consumer Services on 0808 223 1133.