A local business in Rayners Lane was caught selling illegal tobacco after a Trading Standards operation involving a sniffer dog uncovered a large stash of banned items.
Brent and Harrow Trading Standards officers inspected six premises in the area following reports of businesses selling illegal tobacco. During the inspections, Zac, the team’s sniffer dog, discovered 4,044 packs of chewing tobacco and 278 packets of cigarettes hidden behind the counter of one shop.
The items were seized due to incorrect packaging and non-compliant health warnings. Investigations are ongoing, and further enforcement is expected.
The operation forms part of an ongoing action plan to tackle issues related to chewing tobacco and paan-related spitting, which affect street cleanliness.
Cllr Pritesh Patel, Portfolio Holder for Cleaner Streets & Public Safety, said: “To a normal person these cigarettes may look perfectly fine, but in reality they could be harmful for the consumer. It’s the job our officers to ensure they are off our streets. Selling illicit cigarettes isn’t just a crime but it is risk to public health.
“Thanks to the work of our Trading Standards officers these products have been taken away and the business is under investigation. Our officers are working hard to keep these illegal products off the streets and will continue to crack down on businesses and individuals found to be ignoring the law. We will continue our work towards keeping Harrow clean and safe.”
Illegal tobacco products can often be identified by foreign language or missing picture health warnings, unusual brand names, very low prices, or being sold in locations that don’t normally sell tobacco.
Anyone in Harrow who has concerns or information about illegal tobacco sales is encouraged to contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
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