Upminster Business Shut Down After £10,000 Illegal Tobacco Swoop.
An Upminster convenience store has been shut for three months after Havering Council officers and police seized more than £10,000 worth of illegal tobacco, cigarettes, hand-rolling tobacco and shisha products.
The 7 Days Convenience Store on Corbets Tey Road was targeted following weeks of investigation.
In an unannounced morning operation on Wednesday 26 August, Havering Council’s Trading Standards and enforcement teams, working alongside the Metropolitan Police and sniffer dogs, swooped on the premises.
A large quantity of illegal products was discovered and seized.
The authorities then moved quickly to prevent the business from continuing to sell the goods.
On Wednesday 2 September, Havering Council and police attended Barkingside Magistrates’ Court, where they successfully secured a three-month Closure Order.
The business will remain closed until 4pm on Tuesday 1 December.
Councillor Terry Brown, Havering’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Public Protection, praised the joint operation.
“I want to thank our trading standards and enforcement officers and the Police, as this is another example of great work to crack down on this crime.
“The stash of products seized are not only illegal but posed a huge health risk to our residents and they have now been taken off our streets.
“This again, should serve as a warning to other businesses or individuals who think they can sell these illegal products in our Borough.
“We will find you and take strong action to ensure we help keep our residents and legitimate businesses protected and safe.”
Inspector Charlie Routley, Havering Safer Neighbourhoods Police, welcomed the court’s decision.
“I welcome the decision of Barkingside Magistrates’ Court to grant a three-month Closure Order for these premises. This result is the outcome of effective joint working between Havering Police and Havering Council, following concerns.”
The closure is another example of Havering Council and police working together to tackle the sale of illegal tobacco and related products across the borough.
The message from the authorities is clear: businesses selling illegal products can face enforcement action, court proceedings and closure.
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