Sniffer dogs uncover huge haul of illicit tobacco and Viagra tablets

The joint operation between Waltham Forest council trading standards and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) took place on Thursday (September 3) as officers raided six off-licenses following intelligence about the sale of non-duty paid cigarettes.

The sniffer dogs uncovered 14,300 illicit foreign cigarettes at Food & Wine in Hoe Street which had been concealed among canned drinks, sweets and chocolate and sprayed with disinfectant in a bid to disguise the scent.

At Asya Food Centre in St James’ Street the sniffer dogs tracked down 2,440 foreign cigarettes and 2kg of rolling tobacco – all non-duty paid and hidden in the stock room.

Trading standards officers also seized over 400 boxes of Sildenafil Citrate tablets, sold as Viagra, with the prescription drug found on display for sale behind the shop counter.

The tobacco found in both shops was seized by HMRC, who will now take appropriate enforcement action and decisions will be made about the licence's of both shops.

“The owners of these shops will have their tails between their legs after a visit from the sniffer dogs”, said Deputy Leader of the council Clyde Loakes.

“Joking aside the amount of illegal goods seized during this operation is quite shocking, and we’ll do everything in our power to stamp it out in Waltham Forest.

“I hope this serves as a warning to any trader who thinks they can brazenly flout the law to make a quick buck.

“Tobacco smuggling represents a significant threat to public health, and undermines the national drive to reduce smoking, especially amongst young people.

“It also affects legitimate retailers who struggle to cope with cheap prices, not to mention the links with large scale crime.”

No illicit tobacco was found at the four other premises visited as part of this operation.

For further information or to report the sale of illegal tobacco contact Waltham Forest trading standards on 020 8496 3000.