Detection dogs helped seize more than 35,000 illicit cigarettes during a two-day shop raid.

Barking and Dagenham Council’s Trading Standards team targeted 10 shops on September 17 and 17 in a crackdown named Operation CeCe.

Over the two days, 10 shops were raided and with the help of tobacco detection dogs 35,820 illegal cigarettes and 91 illegal vapes worth approximately £16,500 were confiscated.

Officers and dogs found illicit tobacco hidden in hydraulic metal boxes and compartments behind false walls. 

Cllr Syed Ghani, cabinet member for enforcement and community safety said: “This operation is about protecting our residents from potential dangers of illegal tobacco.

 35,820 illegal cigarettes and 91 illegal vapes worth around £16,500 were seized by trading standards team35,820 illegal cigarettes and 91 illegal vapes worth around £16,500 were seized by trading standards team (Image: BD Council)

“The success of Operation CeCe shows how our Trading Standards team are using all the tools at their disposal to take robust action against those who seek to profit from illegal activities at the expense of public health.”

Trading Standards will continue their investigations, and the premises found breaching laws will face prosecution and potential licence reviews.

If people are aware of businesses selling illegal products, they should report them by emailing tradingstandards@lbbd.gov.uk.