Nearly £14,000 worth of illegal tobacco and shisha has been removed from the streets of Upminster following a targeted raid on a local business. Havering Council’s trading standards team led the operation, which resulted in the seizure of illicit goods valued at approximately £13,950. The crackdown is part of a broader effort to eliminate unregulated and potentially dangerous smoking products from the local market.
Multi-agency operation uncovers illicit shisha haul in Upminster
The raid was executed under Operation CeCe, a national initiative specifically designed to tackle the illegal tobacco trade. The operation in Upminster involved a coordinated effort between Havering’s trading standards officers, enforcement teams, and the borough’s S92 Police officers. These specialized police units are often funded by local authorities to provide dedicated support for community safety and regulatory enforcement.
Central to the success of the raid were sniffer dogs funded through Operation CeCe. These highly trained animals are capable of locating hidden tobacco products that are often concealed behind false walls, under floorboards, or within sophisticated hidden compartments. During this specific intervention, officers uncovered approximately 49kg of illicit shisha. The sheer volume of the seizure highlights the scale of the underground trade operating within the London Borough of Havering.
The role of Operation CeCe in Havering safety initiatives
Operation CeCe represents a significant partnership between National Trading Standards and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Since its inception, the initiative has been instrumental in disrupting the supply of non-duty paid and counterfeit tobacco across the United Kingdom. By providing local councils with additional resources and funding for specialist equipment, such as detection dogs, the program allows for more frequent and effective interventions in residential and commercial areas.
In Havering, the focus remains on protecting the public from the risks associated with unregulated products. Illicit tobacco and shisha often bypass the strict quality controls and health warnings required by UK law. Investigations into the Upminster business are currently ongoing to determine the origin of the products and the extent of the legal breaches. While the business cannot be named at this stage due to active legal proceedings, the council has confirmed that further enforcement action is being considered.
Health and economic consequences of the illegal tobacco trade
The presence of illegal tobacco in the community poses a dual threat to public health and the local economy. Unlike legitimate products, illicit tobacco is frequently found to contain higher levels of harmful substances, including heavy metals and contaminants, because it is manufactured without regulatory oversight. Furthermore, these products are often sold at significantly lower prices, which can encourage smoking among younger demographics and those who might otherwise be deterred by the cost of legal tobacco.
From an economic perspective, the sale of illegal goods creates an uneven playing field for law-abiding retailers in Upminster and the wider borough. Businesses that pay their taxes and adhere to safety regulations find it difficult to compete with those selling non-duty paid items. By removing these products from circulation, Havering Council aims to support the local business community and ensure that consumer safety standards are upheld across all retail sectors.
Legal proceedings and future enforcement in the borough
Helen Oakerbee, Havering’s Director of Planning and Public Protection, emphasized that the council maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward the sale of dangerous illegal goods. She noted that the partnership between trading standards and the police is a vital component in keeping the borough safe from criminal activity. The council has signaled that it will continue to utilize all available resources to identify and prosecute those who choose to ignore the law.
Evidence gathered during the Upminster raid is being analyzed as part of the ongoing investigation. Under the Consumer Protection Act and various tobacco control regulations, businesses found guilty of selling illicit goods can face significant fines, the forfeiture of stock, and in some cases, the revocation of trading licenses or custodial sentences. Residents who have information regarding the sale of illegal tobacco are encouraged to report their concerns to Trading Standards to assist in future operations.
Source: London Borough of Havering
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