London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Trading Standards have revealed that almost a quarter of businesses targeted by a series of recent test purchase operations were selling illegal tobacco.
In intelligence-led investigations on 11 and 12 September, 42 premises were visited, with 10 found to be selling illegal tobacco. These premises will undergo further inspections involving specialist tobacco detection dogs.
Illegal tobacco and cigarettes are often found in concealed compartments under floors, behind false walls and above ceilings, with increasingly sophisticated means being used to hide them from Trading Standards. The financial gains from the trade in illegal tobacco are known to fund organised crime, money laundering, and human trafficking.
Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety at the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, commented: “The sale of illicit tobacco is not a victimless crime. It poses a severe threat to public health and fuels organised crime.
“Our recent operations demonstrate our commitment to protecting our communities and ensuring that businesses operate within the law. We will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to eradicate the selling of illegal tobacco.”
