A Barking shop and its director have been convicted after repeatedly supplying illegal tobacco products, following enforcement action by Barking and Dagenham Council’s Trading Standards.

Miorita Ltd, trading on Ripple Road, Barking, and its director, Marian Coseru of Harrier Close, Hornchurch, have been convicted for supplying illicit tobacco products following multiple inspections and test purchases.

On 23 June 2026, at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court, Marian Coseru and Miorita Ltd pleaded guilty to two offences of possessing tobacco products for supply. The offences related to inspections carried out on 26 March 2025 and 25 September 2025.

During a joint operation involving specialist tobacco detection dogs on 26 March 2025, officers discovered and seized cigarettes from brands including Kent x700, Dunhill x840, Marlboro x40 and Sobranie x40.

A further inspection on 25 September 2025 uncovered additional illicit tobacco products concealed beneath the shop counter and inside drawers, including 180 Kent cigarettes, 80 Dunhill cigarettes and 160 Sobranie cigarettes.

The seized tobacco products did not display the legally required health warnings and were not authorised for supply on the UK market.

Prior to enforcement action, an undercover Trading Standards test purchaser successfully bought a packet of 20 Kent cigarettes from the premises, providing clear evidence that the illicit products were being offered for sale.

Due to the evidence, Marian Coseru entered guilty pleas on behalf of both himself and Miorita Ltd.

This was not the first prosecution involving the defendants. On 18 April 2023, Miorita Ltd and Marian Coseru were convicted of similar offences. Mr Coseru received a two-month custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, and the company received a fine.

Miorita Ltd was fined £2,000, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £800 and prosecution costs of £1,412. Marian Coseru did not receive a fine but was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £154. The total amount ordered to pay was £4,366. 

Cllr Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said:"This prosecution sends a clear message that selling illegal tobacco in Barking and Dagenham will not be tolerated. These products undermine legitimate businesses, fund criminal activity and pose serious risks to public health. 

“Our Trading Standards team will continue to take robust action against those who break the law."