Barking and Dagenham Council’s Trading Standards officers have seized more than £15,000 worth of illegal tobacco, vaping products and unauthorised medicines following a targeted enforcement operation across the borough.

On Saturday 13 June, officers, supported by specialist tobacco detection dogs, carried out raids at six premises across the borough after receiving intelligence that illicit products were being sold. Five of the six premises were found to be in possession of illegal goods.

During the operation, officers seized 12,649 illicit cigarettes, 60 packs of 50g hand-rolling tobacco, 106 disposable vapes and a quantity of unauthorised medicines, with an estimated total value of £15,144.10.

The illegal sale of tobacco and vaping products is often linked to wider criminal activity, including organised crime, exploitation and tax evasion. It also undermines legitimate businesses and increases the risk of harmful products being sold to children and young people.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “Operations like this send a clear message that illegal tobacco and vape sales will not be tolerated in Barking and Dagenham. These products are often linked to serious criminal activity and pose a real risk to our communities, particularly young people.

“We will continue to take strong action against anyone found to be breaking the law.”

Residents who have concerns about a trader operating in Barking and Dagenham can contact Trading Standards at tradingstandards@lbbd.gov.uk.