Major illicit tobacco haul seized in East London raids

Published: 22 July 2026

A major enforcement operation in East London recently uncovered thousands of illicit cigarettes at a residential property linked to a business on Ilford Lane, as part of ongoing efforts to tackle the illegal tobacco trade across Redbridge and the wider region.

During targeted raids, Redbridge Trading Standards officers, supported by the Metropolitan Police, executed two warrants at premises on Ilford Lane. Officers seized 13,500 illicit cigarettes, worth around £6,000, from a concealment inside a nearby residential address connected to the business.

Operation CeCE, a UK‑wide initiative led by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and National Trading Standards, focuses on disrupting the illegal, counterfeit and smuggled tobacco market. The trade not only drains public funds, but also undermines public health and fuels organised crime. Nationally, the programme has removed tens of millions of illicit cigarettes from circulation.

Enquiries into the business owner are ongoing. Officers also identified that the residential property was operating as an unregistered and unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), prompting further investigation.

Cllr Sunny Brar, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement, said: “Illegal tobacco fuels organised crime, undermines public health and puts our neighbourhoods at risk. This operation shows the impact of firm, coordinated enforcement in Redbridge.

“I want to thank our Trading Standards officers and the Met Police for their decisive action in removing thousands of illicit cigarettes from circulation. This criminal activity harms residents and undercuts honest local businesses who follow the rules.

“We will continue to take robust action against anyone supplying illegal tobacco in our borough, and we will keep working closely with partners to protect our communities and uphold safety standards across Redbridge.”