Smokers urged to be vigilant of illicit products as they can pose a danger from unregulated items
Trading standards officers have uncovered more than £20,000 worth of illegal tobacco and related products from businesses in Barking and Dagenham.
Across two as-yet unnamed premises, officers seized 24,460 cigarettes, 17 packs of hand‑rolling tobacco, 24 pouches of chewing tobacco, and 28 mixed vapes.
Unlike legitimate products, illicit tobacco is not subject to quality controls, meaning smokers may be exposed to contaminants, dangerously high nicotine levels, and toxic substances not in regulated items.
Barking and Dagenham Council says the substantial haul marks one of the most impactful single‑day seizures this year and underlines the town hall’s continued commitment to tackling illegal tobacco trading and protecting residents from harmful and unregulated products.
The traders involved now face further criminal sanctions, which may include prosecution and closure orders.
Keith Stanger, director for enforcement, regulatory services and community safety, said: “This latest seizure demonstrates the scale of illegal tobacco trading operating behind the scenes and the vital role our trading standards officers play in shutting it down.
“Illegal tobacco is not a harmless bargain, it’s often linked to organised crime, exploitation and serious harm. We’ll continue to take robust action to protect our communities and ensure that those who profit from criminal activity are held to account.”
Matthew Cole, director of public health, added: “Around two-in-three regular smokers die from smoking-related illness and unregulated tobacco poses an even greater danger to people’s health. There is no way of knowing what is inside these products, and many contain far higher levels of toxic chemicals than legal cigarettes.
“Illegal tobacco also undermines efforts to reduce smoking rates and puts young people at particular risk. Protecting residents from these harms is a priority, and we encourage everyone to avoid illicit products and report any sellers operating illegally.”
Smokers in the borough who want to seek help to quit can email healthy.lifestyles@lbbd.gov.uk or call 020 8724 8018.
