A local trader was smoked out by a sniffer dog during a recent Trading Standards operation.
- 278 packets of cigarettes and 4,044 packs of chewing tobacco seized
- Inspections part of action plan to tackle chewing tobacco and paan-related spitting
- Further enforcement action taking place
Six premises were inspected by Brent and Harrow Trading Standards on reported and suspected businesses of selling illegal tobacco in Rayners Lane.
A large haul was sniffed out in one shop by Zac, our canine enforcement officer. 4,044 packs of chewing tobacco and 278 packs of illegal cigarettes were found behind the shop counter and were seized for incorrect packaging and wrong health warnings.
Investigations are currently ongoing before further enforcement takes place.
The inspections are part of the action plan to tackle chewing tobacco paan-related spitting which impacts on 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.”
Tobacco products may be illegal if they have foreign language health warnings, packets with no picture health warnings, cheaper than normal cigarettes, unusual or foreign brand names or being sold in unusual locations.
If Harrow residents see any tobacco products that match the description of the illegal varieties, or have information which may be useful, they should contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Watch our video to see the team in action