Croydon Council has seized more than 66,000 illegal cigarettes as part of Executive Mayor Jason Perry's zero-tolerance crackdown on crime and antisocial behaviour across the borough.
Trading standards officers uncovered a huge haul of illicit tobacco during a targeted day of action, including 66,000 cigarettes, 18kg of hand-rolling tobacco and 11kg of shisha tobacco. Had the products been sold legally, they would have been worth more than £70,000.
The operation targeted six premises across the borough following intelligence suggesting illegal tobacco was being sold. Officers also identified vehicles being used to store contraband. One vehicle linked to the investigation has been seized by the Council and will be destroyed if not claimed within 28 days.
Investigations remain ongoing.
Illegal tobacco sales are often linked to organised criminal networks, undermine legitimate local businesses and deprive public services of vital tax revenue. The products themselves can also pose significant health risks as they are frequently unregulated and fail to meet UK safety standards.
The operation was supported by specialist tobacco detection dogs, Skye and Fred, who helped officers uncover sophisticated hidden compartments used to conceal illicit goods.
The seizures form part of the Mayor's wider zero-tolerance campaign to restore pride in Croydon's neighbourhoods and tackle the behaviours that blight communities. In recent months, the Council has expanded the use of mobile CCTV cameras, stepped up action against fly-tippers, increased enforcement activity in hotspot locations, seized vehicles linked to criminal activity and launched new initiatives to identify and prosecute offenders.
Executive Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry, said:
"This was a significant seizure and sends a clear message that illegal tobacco sales will not be tolerated in Croydon.
"These products are often linked to organised criminal activity, harm honest businesses and put public health at risk. Law-abiding shopkeepers should not have to compete with criminals selling illicit goods from under the counter.
"This is part of our wider zero-tolerance approach to tackling the crimes and antisocial behaviour that frustrate residents and damage our communities.
"Whether it is fly-tipping, illegal tobacco sales, rogue traders, environmental crime or persistent antisocial behaviour, we are taking action and backing it up with enforcement.
"In recent months we have expanded CCTV coverage, issued fines, seized vehicles and launched our Caught on Camera initiative to help identify those responsible for making a mess of our borough. This latest operation shows that our message is simple: if you break the law in Croydon, expect consequences.
"I want to thank our trading standards team and their partners for this successful operation. Residents can help too by reporting concerns about illegal tobacco sales so we can continue protecting local businesses and keeping our neighbourhoods safe."
Residents can report concerns about illicit tobacco sales to Croydon Council's trading standards team.
