Illicit tobacco and nicotine products worth more than £12,000 have been confiscated from shops across Barking and Dagenham following an intelligence-led enforcement operation targeting the illegal tobacco trade.

Trading Standards officers joined specialist tobacco detection dogs as part of Operation CeCe on 31 July, carrying out inspections at eight premises across the borough. The operation followed complaints from residents, intelligence reports and undercover test purchasing activities.

Illegal products were discovered at four premises, resulting in the seizure of 13,460 illicit tobacco sticks, 86 pouches of chewing tobacco and 80 nicotine pouches, with an estimated retail value of £12,158.

Many of the products were uncovered in concealed compartments identified by the specialist tobacco detection dogs, demonstrating the important role they play in helping officers locate hidden illicit goods that may otherwise go undetected. 

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, said: "This operation sends a clear message that the illegal sale of tobacco and nicotine products will not be tolerated in Barking and Dagenham.

"These products undermine legitimate businesses, evade safety regulations and can easily fall into the wrong hands. We will continue to work with our partners to tackle the illegal tobacco trade and protect our residents and communities."

Operation CeCe forms part of the council's ongoing work to tackle the sale of illicit and unregulated tobacco products, support responsible retailers and protect public health. Investigations into the premises involved are continuing.

If residents are aware of shops selling illegal products, they should report it by emailing tradingstandards@lbbd.gov.uk.