A Chadwell Heath shop director has been fined after pleading guilty to supplying illicit tobacco products following an investigation by Barking and Dagenham Council’s Trading Standards team.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court on 29 June 2026, La Dunarea Ltd, trading as Magazin Romanesc of Station Road, Chadwell Heath, and its director, Claudi Camelia Cocora, pleaded guilty to possession of illicit tobacco for supply. Ms Cocora, of Millhaven Close, Romford, entered guilty pleas both in her personal capacity and as a director of the business.

The court heard that on 11 June 2024, Ms Cocora sold a packet of 20 illicit Kent Core cigarettes for £9 to an undercover test purchaser. The sale breached tobacco legislation designed to regulate the packaging and sale of tobacco products.

Following the test purchase and other intelligence gathered by Trading Standards officers, a further inspection was carried out on 13 June 2024 with the assistance of specialist tobacco detection dogs. During the operation, officers discovered additional illicit tobacco hidden beneath the shop counter, including 28 packets of Dunhill cigarettes and 17 packets of Kent Core cigarettes.

In sentencing, the Judge took into account Ms Cocora’s current health condition. Ms Cocora was ordered to pay a £2,000 fine, £2,000 in legal costs and an £800 victim surcharge, totalling £4,800. 

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, said: “This prosecution demonstrates our commitment to tackling the illegal tobacco trade and holding those who break the law accountable. 

“We will continue to work proactively to protect residents and support responsible businesses across the borough.”