Police in Barking and Dagenham have intensified their efforts against the sale of illicit cigarettes, leading to significant seizures and shop closures. As part of a joint operation with the local authority, officers recently shut down a shop in Barking after discovering approximately 9,000 counterfeit cigarettes.
This crackdown is part of a broader strategy by the Metropolitan Police to enhance neighbourhood policing and tackle various forms of crime across the borough. Superintendent Biju Premnath, the Neighbourhood Superintendent for Barking and Dagenham, highlighted the success of these operations, noting that the neighbourhood teams are currently at full strength.
Achievements mentioned included the seizure of illicit cigarettes. To prevent the re-opening of the closed shop or similar illicit operations, closure orders have been obtained for problem premises. The Crime & Enforcement Task Force - Local Authority Funded
officers are actively executing warrants linked to drugs and other illegal activities, indicating a robust enforcement strategy is in place.
This operation is part of a wider initiative by the Metropolitan Police to bolster neighbourhood policing and combat various criminal activities throughout the borough. The neighbourhood teams are currently operating at full capacity, according to Superintendent Premnath.
