A major haul of illicit tobacco, vapes, and shisha products has been removed from circulation after Trading Standards officers from Barking and Dagenham Council carried out targeted inspections at local premises.

Acting on intelligence and part of an ongoing programme of enforcement, officers visited several shops suspected of selling illegal goods on Saturday 21 March. The operation resulted in the seizure of counterfeit, unsafe, and non-duty-paid products worth over £5,000.

The activity supports the council’s wider commitment to protect consumers, disrupt illegal trading, and keep communities safe. Trading Standards has also secured additional public health funding to boost enforcement and intervention work - supporting the Government’s ambition to reduce smoking to below 5% of the population by 2030, and to achieve a smoke‑free society by 2050.

Cheap, illegal, and counterfeit tobacco products undermine public health efforts, making it harder for smokers to quit. The illicit trade is frequently linked to organised criminal groups and has connections to serious offences including human trafficking and exploitation.

Residents who have concerns about any shops or traders operating in Barking and Dagenham are encouraged to contact Trading Standards at: tradingstandards@lbbd.gov.uk.