Officers from Havering Council’s trading standards team have removed a significant quantity of illegal tobacco and shisha from the streets of Upminster. The seizure, valued at approximately £13,950, occurred during a targeted raid on a local business following reports of illicit sales. This enforcement action is part of a broader effort to eliminate dangerous and unregulated products from the local market.
Significant seizure of illicit goods in Upminster
The operation resulted in the discovery of approximately 49kg of illicit shisha alongside various illegal tobacco products. Trading standards officers were supported by enforcement teams and Havering’s S92 Police officers. The search was further aided by specialized sniffer dogs funded through Operation CeCe, which were instrumental in locating the hidden stock within the premises.
Investigations into the business involved are currently ongoing. Authorities have confirmed that the specific business cannot be named at this stage due to the active nature of the legal proceedings. The products seized will be held as evidence as the council determines the appropriate further action, which may include prosecution or the revocation of licenses.
Key points of the operation
- Total value of seized goods estimated at £13,950.
- Approximately 49kg of illegal shisha recovered.
- Multi-agency involvement including Trading Standards and S92 Police.
- Part of the national Operation CeCe crackdown.
Role of Operation CeCe in Havering enforcement
Operation CeCe is a nationwide initiative designed to disrupt the sale of illegal tobacco. It represents a joint investment between HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and National Trading Standards. By pooling resources and intelligence, the operation allows local authorities like Havering Council to conduct high-impact raids that would otherwise be difficult to coordinate independently.
The focus of these operations is not only the recovery of lost tax revenue but also the protection of the local economy. Businesses that deal in illicit goods create an unfair playing field for legitimate retailers who comply with UK regulations and tax requirements. By removing these products, the council aims to support law-abiding business owners in Upminster and across the borough.
Public safety risks of unregulated tobacco products
The sale of illegal tobacco and shisha poses a direct threat to public health in Havering. Unlike regulated products, illicit tobacco often fails to meet strict UK safety standards. These items frequently lack the mandatory health warnings and standardized packaging required by law, which are designed to discourage smoking and provide clear information to consumers.
Furthermore, unregulated tobacco products have been found to contain higher levels of harmful chemicals and, in some cases, foreign materials. There is also a significant fire safety risk associated with illegal cigarettes, as they often lack the ‘reduced ignition propensity’ features that allow legal cigarettes to self-extinguish if left unattended. The removal of 49kg of shisha from circulation is viewed by health officials as a necessary step in reducing these hidden dangers within the community.
Commitment to borough-wide safety standards
Helen Oakerbee, Havering’s Director of Planning and Public Protection, emphasized the council’s stance on the matter, noting that the partnership between trading standards and police is essential for maintaining safety. She stated that the council will not tolerate businesses selling dangerous illegal goods and confirmed that crackdowns on such crimes will continue.
Residents who have information regarding the sale of illegal tobacco or other illicit goods are encouraged to report their concerns to the authorities. These reports often serve as the starting point for investigations like the one conducted in Upminster, helping to ensure that the borough remains a safe environment for consumers and a fair environment for businesses.
Source: London Borough of Havering
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