A large quantity of illicit tobacco products along with illegal food has been seized following raids on retail premises in Bromley, Penge and Orpington.
The latest Trading Standards seizures follow legal action earlier this year and in 2024 as part of the ongoing work to protect residents and consumers and follow continued investigatory work, including reports from concerned residents.
The council’s Trading Standards operation, with support from the police and the London Trading Standards team saw suspected counterfeit tobacco products seized alongside most probably smuggled tobacco products, including illegal vapes. The council’s food safety team also seized food items that do not conform with national food safety regulations, with detailed examinations now being undertaken.
Councillor Angela Page, Executive Councillor for Public Protection and Enforcement said, “Our investigation is continuing but retailers should be in no doubt that we will not hesitate to take action to protect residents from the sale of illegal items, which often also have safety and health impacts as well. We are grateful as well to residents who have also taken the time to report concerns about specific retailers. It is often the case that what we can say is limited so that the investigation is not jeopardised. We will continue to follow-up on reports when something is shared with us, as well as using our own test purchase powers when needed.”
The locations of the retail premises and the exact details of the seizures are not being disclosed at this time as investigations are continuing but the amounts seized are significant and estimated to be worth in excess of £10,000.
Details of recent prosecutions and enforcement actions can be found at www.bromley.gov.uk/Prosecutions.
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For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Head of Public Affairs, on 020 8461 7670 or email Andrew.Rogers@bromley.gov.uk.