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."
Councillor Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Housing, Adult Social Care and Health said: “Stopping illegal tobacco sales directly contributes to improving health and saving lives, as they contains higher amounts of toxins and unknown ingredients, encourage people to smoke more and reduce the likelihood of quitting. It is estimated that a packet of 20 cigarettes can reduce your life expectancy by nearly 7 hours, likely more for an illicit cigarette.”
Trading Standards officers are now continuing their investigation.
Around 1 in 7 Barking and Dagenham residents smoke, which is 50% higher than the London average and contributes to greater levels of early death and many health conditions (including cancers). Quitting smoking is not just the single most effective action to improve your health, but saves around £2,338 per year. You are around three times more likely to quit through using Stop Smoking Services, and Barking and Dagenham residents can access free advice and support by contacting healthy.lifestyles@lbbd.gov.uk or 020 8724 8018.