113,000 cigarettes seized in east London in illicit tobacco raid

More than 113,000 cigarettes and up to ten people have been discovered living in an illegal tobacco “distribution hub” in Dagenham.Barking and Dagenham Council says the raid on a premises in Heathway earlier this month uncovered one of its “largest ever illegal tobacco hauls”.The council says its investigators also found evidence “linking the premises to a number of other shops across the borough”.Trading standards officers raised the address on July 16. The council says it can’t disclose the address due to ongoing investigations.The officers, supported by a specialist sniffer dog and police, found “more than 113,000 cigarette sticks concealed beneath makeshift beds, inside suitcases, supermarket carrier bags and storage boxes” in rooms above a commercial premises.It says they also found indication “that part of the premises may have been unlawfully used as a house in multiple occupation”.A council spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that “potentially up to ten people” were living there.The council says it believes the address may have been a “storage and distribution hub” for the illegal tobacco trade in the borough.A spokesperson said: “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.”They added: “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.”Labour councillor Syed Ghani, responsible for enforcement, said the “significant seizure demonstrates our determination to tackle the criminal networks that profit from the sale of illegal tobacco”.He added: “We will continue to work closely with our partners to disrupt illegal activity, protect legitimate businesses and keep our communities safe.”