£30k worth of illegal tobacco and vapes seized

By Joe Coughlan, Local Democracy Reporter

More than £30,000 worth of illegal tobacco and vapes have been seized from two shops in Plumstead following searches from the council. 

A raid was reportedly carried out by Greenwich council officers and police on April 26 at a shop in Plumstead following a test purchase.

A statement from the council said a man was spotted during the search throwing products from the shop to a neighbouring window, which were later confirmed to be illegal cigarettes and vapes. 

The goods were seized from the next-door flat and were said to have a black market resale value of £15,000.

The event was followed by another seizure, on April 28, during which more than 1,500 packets of illegal cigarettes were found in a separate Plumstead store, along with a large quantity of illegal vapes. The black market value of the goods was said to be £16,000.

The authority said that the business owners would be taken to court for possession and intent to distribute illegal products. 

Labour councillor Ann-Marie Cousins, cabinet member for community safety and enforcement, said in a statement that residents who suspect the sale of illegal goods should report it to the London Trading Standards to have such items removed from the borough’s streets.

Cllr Cousins said: “Selling illegal tobacco products and vapes could have a detrimental effect on our residents’ health, not to mention damaging the reputation of other local businesses.”

She added: “We will continue to carry out these seizures along with the police to improve the quality of life and health of our residents and to ensure that everyone in Greenwich is safer and feels safer.”

A large quantity of illegal cigarettes were seized as part of the raid (Picture: Greenwich council)