More than 113,000 illicit cigarette sticks with an estimated street value of over £102,000 have been seized in one of the largest illegal tobacco hauls ever uncovered in Barking and Dagenham.
The seizure, on the Heathway, Dagenham, was made during a major multi-agency operation led by Barking and Dagenham Council’s Trading Standards team, following weeks of intelligence gathering and evidence-led investigations.
Officers, supported by a specialist tobacco detection dog, the Metropolitan Police and the council's Private Sector Housing team, executed a coordinated raid on Thursday 16 July that uncovered what is believed to be a local storage and distribution hub supplying illicit tobacco to shops across the borough.
Hidden stockpiles of illegal cigarettes were discovered in storage accommodation above commercial premises. Officers recovered more than 113,000 cigarette sticks concealed beneath makeshift beds, inside suitcases, supermarket carrier bags and storage boxes in an apparent attempt to avoid detection.
During the operation, council officers also identified concerns that part of the premises may have been unlawfully used as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) without the required permissions and licences. Further enquiries are now underway.
Investigators also seized evidence linking the premises to a number of other shops across the borough, suggesting the existence of a wider illicit tobacco supply network. Investigations remain ongoing to identify all those involved and bring offenders to justice.
Illegal tobacco harms communities by undercutting legitimate businesses, making cheap tobacco more readily available, depriving the public purse of tax revenue and helping to fund organised criminal activity.
Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, said: "This was a significant seizure and demonstrates our determination to tackle the criminal networks that profit from the sale of illegal tobacco.
"The scale of this find shows why intelligence-led enforcement is so important. We will continue to work closely with our partners to disrupt illegal activity, protect legitimate businesses and keep our communities safe."
Trading Standards officers are now continuing their investigation.