£6,400 Illegal Cigarettes and Vapes Seized Hornchurch Raid 2026

Key Points

• More than £6,400 worth of illegal cigarettes, vapes, hand-rolling tobacco, shisha products, and electrical shisha burners were seized during a joint enforcement operation in Hornchurch
• Havering Council’s Trading Standards team carried out the raid alongside Havering Police officers as part of Operation CeCe, an HMRC-funded national crackdown on illegal tobacco
• Two premises located at the same address were searched after weeks of evidence gathering
• Electrical shisha burners were seized due to product safety and packaging requirement concerns
• Officers detected a strong smell of gas at one premises, prompting National Gas Emergency service to switch off the gas supply manually
• Business owners voluntarily agreed to close the premises immediately for public safety; Cadent Gas attended to ensure any potential leak was dealt with
• The business involved cannot currently be identified as investigations remain ongoing
• Councillor Terry Brown, Havering’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Public Protection, stated the council won’t tolerate businesses selling illegal and dangerous goods
• Residents are encouraged to report concerns about businesses selling illicit goods to the council’s Trading Standards team
• The seizure represents the latest action by Havering Council and partners to tackle illegal and potentially dangerous products across the borough

Havering (East London Times) June 19, 2026 –Hornchurch has become the latest location in Havering Borough where enforcement officers have successfully removed significant quantities of illegal tobacco products from the streets following a coordinated joint operation between Havering Council’s Trading Standards team and local police officers.

How Much Illegal Goods Were Actually Seized In The Hornchurch Operation?

According to official figures released by Havering Council, the total value of illegal goods recovered during the raid reached approximately £6,400. The seized items included illegal cigarettes, vapes, hand-rolling tobacco, shisha products, and electrical shisha burners.

As reported by the official Havering Council news article published on June 11, 2026,

“Over £6,000 worth of illegal cigarettes, vapes, shisha and tobacco was seized and taken off the streets recently, thanks to Havering Council’s Trading Standards team”.

Why Were Electrical Shisha Burners Included In The Seizure?

The electrical shisha burners were specifically seized due to concerns relating to product safety and packaging requirements.

According to the council’s official statement, these electrical burners did not meet UK safety regulations, which poses potential risks to consumers who purchase such products.

As noted in coverage by The Havering Daily regarding similar Operation CeCe raids,

“Illegal tobacco and shisha products are often linked to organised crime and can pose serious health risks as they do not meet UK safety regulations”.

What Unexpected Safety Issue Was Discovered During The Raid?

During the operation, officers detected a strong smell of gas at one of the premises, prompting an immediate emergency response.

The National Gas Emergency service was called to attend the site, and as a precaution, the gas supply was manually switched off .

In a critical public safety decision, the business owners voluntarily agreed to close the premises immediately in the interests of public safety.

Cadent Gas subsequently attended the site to ensure any potential gas leak was dealt with and made safe.

How Many Premises Were Searchedin The Hornchurch Operation?

Investigators searched two premises located at the same address during the operation. The official Havering Council news report confirmed that

“Two premises were searched during the operation both located at the same address”.

What Is Operation CeCe And Why Does It Matter For Havering Residents?

Operation CeCe is an HMRC-funded operation targeting the illegal tobacco trade within the UK. According to official Havering Council documentation, the operation has been working to seize illicit tobacco since January 2021.

As reported by HM Revenue and Customs, “Operation CeCe is a joint HMRC-National Trading Standards operation which has been working to seize illicit tobacco since January 2021”.

How Much Money Does The UK Lose To Illegal Tobacco Trade Annually?

The illegal tobacco trade costs the UK economy significantly. According to Havering Council’s official news, “It is estimated that the UK economy losses £1.8 billion a year to this illegal activity”.

However, HMRC’s broader figures indicate even higher costs. As stated by HM’s Fraud Service representative York, “Operation CeCe demonstrates our commitment to combat the threat posed by illegal tobacco. This trade costs UK taxpayers approximately £2.3 billion annually, undermining essential public services and funding a variety of other crimes that jeopardise communities, including gun violence, drug offenses, and human trafficking”.

National Trading Standards provides slightly different figures, stating “The illegal trade costs the Treasury £2bn each year”.

What Has Operation CeCe Achieved Since Its Launch?

The operation has achieved significant results since its inception. HMRC and National Trading Standards revealed that

“More than 27 million illicit cigarettes and 7,500kg of hand-rolling tobacco were seized under Operation CeCe in its first 2 years” .

Following its first-year success, National Trading Standards reported that Operation CeCe

“has removed more than 13 million illegal cigarettes, 4,300kg of hand rolling tobacco and 109.5kg of shisha products from sale, protecting consumers and preventing legitimate, tax paying businesses from being undercut.

The operation’s financial efficiency was notable:

“Following its first-year success saving £8.75 in detriment for every £1 spent on the project, HMRC has committed to providing Operation CeCe with £800,000 of funding annually over the next three years to 2025 plus additional funding of £200,000 for the period January–March 2022”.

What Enforcement Powers Are Available Against Illegal Tobacco Sellers?

New sanctions came into effect on July 20, 2023, which could see penalties of up to £10,000 for any businesses and individuals who sell illicit tobacco products. The Finance Act 2022 legislated for these tougher sanctions, including “a new penalty of up to £10,000 for serious contraventions”.

Who Was Involved In The Hornchurch Enforcement Operation?

Councillor Terry Brown, Havering’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Public Protection, publicly addressed the seizure [havering.gov.uk:26]. Helen Oakerbee, Havering’s Director of Planning and Public Protection, has also commented on similar Operation CeCe operations in the borough.

What Role Did Havering Police Play In The Raid?

Havering Police officers worked alongside the Council’s enforcement team during the operation. Specifically, Havering’s S92 Police officers were involved in multiple Operation CeCe raids across the borough.

As reported by The Havering Daily regarding the £36,000 Romford seizure,

“Working alongside enforcement officers, Havering’s S92 Police officers and specialist sniffer dogs funded through Operation CeCe, officers carried out raids on two businesses following reports they were selling illegal products”.

Were Sniffer Dogs Used In The Operation?

Yes, specially trained sniffer dogs funded through Operation CeCe were part of the enforcement team. According to coverage of the Upminster raid,

“The operation, carried out under Operation CeCe, saw trading standards teams join forces with enforcement officers, Havering’s S92 police officers and specially trained sniffer dogs funded through the national crackdown initiative”.

Why Can’t The Business Be Identified And What Happens Next?

As investigations remain ongoing, the business involved cannot currently be identified. The official Havering Council statement confirms:

“As further investigations are currently ongoing, the name of the business cannot be named”.

This follows the pattern seen in similar operations. As reported by The Havering Daily regarding the Upminster raid,

“Investigations are now ongoing into the seized products and what further action may be taken against the business involved, which cannot currently be named for legal reasons”.

Similarly, in the Romford £36,000 seizure,

“Investigations are currently ongoing in relation to the products seized and what further action may be taken against the two businesses, Both of which cannot be named at this time”.

What Investigations Are Currently Ongoing?

The investigations remain focused on the seized products and determining what further action may be taken against the business. According to the official council statement,

“Investigations are now ongoing into the seized products and what further action may be taken against the business involved” .

Havering Council’s Trading Standards team will be carrying out further investigations with the Hornchurch business. In a separate but related development, The Havering Daily reported that

“A Hornchurch business is now under investigation after selling vape liquid to an under-18 during a Trading Standards operation”.

What Recent Hornchurch Trading Standards Actions Have Occurred?

This seizure is not the first recent enforcement action in Hornchurch. On June 10, 2026, Havering Council’s Trading Standards carried out further investigations

“after vape liquid was sold on its premises to a person under 18”.

As reported by The Havering Daily on May 19, 2026,

“Havering Council officers, supported by Havering Metropolitan Police cadets, carried out joint test purchasing operations across the borough to ensure retailers were not illegally selling vapes, tobacco or knives to children”

During visits to six businesses in Hornchurch, one shop sold vape liquid to an underage volunteer.

What Has Councillor Terry Brown Said About Illegal Goods In Havering?

Councillor Terry Brown, Havering’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Public Protection, made a clear statement about the council’s position:

“We won’t tolerate businesses or anyone selling illegal and dangerous goods in our borough”.

He continued:

“Together with the police, our trading standards teams will continue to crack down on those who do this and this is another great example of that work”.

Brown also emphasised community involvement:

“Our residents can also be our eyes and ears. If you know a business that is selling illicit products, please tell us”.

This statement was repeated in the official Havering Council news article published on June 11, 2026.

Similarly, Helen Oakerbee, Havering’s Director of Planning and Public Protection, stated regarding the £36,000 Romford seizure:

“This is another great example of the work our trading standards and enforcement teams do, working alongside the police, to help keep our residents safe. We will continue to take the strongest action against those committing these crimes and won’t tolerate anyone or any business selling illegal or counterfeit goods in our borough”.

How Can Residents Report Businesses Selling Illicit Goods?

Residents who suspect businesses are selling illicit goods are encouraged to report their concerns to the council’s Trading Standards team.

The official Havering Council news states:

“Residents who suspect businesses are selling illicit goods are encouraged to report their concerns to the council’s Trading Standards team”.

For other London boroughs, similar reporting mechanisms exist. In Barking and Dagenham,

“Residents with concerns about a shop selling illicit cigarettes or vapes can report it to Trading Standards at [email protected]”.

Councillor Brown’s call to action remains clear:

“Our residents can also be our eyes and ears, if you know a business that is selling illicit products, please tell us” .

What Is The Background Of This Development And Operation CeCe In Havering?

The Hornchurch seizure represents the latest action by Havering Council and its partners to tackle the sale of illegal and potentially dangerous products across the borough. This operation follows a pattern of similar enforcement actions throughout Havering in recent months.

Previous Operation CeCe Seizures In Havering

On March 30, 2026, around £36,000 worth of illegal vapes and tobacco was seized from Romford businesses.

As reported by The Havering Daily,

“Around £36,000 worth of illegal vapes and tobacco has been seized from Romford businesses in a crackdown led by Havering Council’s trading standards teams”.

In May 2026, almost £14,000 worth of illegal tobacco and shisha was seized during a major raid on an Upminster business. The Havering Daily reported:

“Havering Council trading standards and Havering Joint Task Force officers have seized almost £14,000 worth of illegal tobacco and shisha during a major raid on an Upminster business”.

In October 2025, a joint operation between Havering Police and Trading Standards resulted in the seizure of £30,000 worth of illegal cigarettes and hundreds of unsafe medical products.

Going back further, in March 2023, Havering Council’s Trading Standards team recovered around £35,000 worth of counterfeit tobacco, cigarettes and vapes from a Romford business. In June 2023, £18,000 of illegal tobacco and vapes was seized.

Hornchurch-Specific Enforcement History

The Hornchurch area has seen multiple Trading Standards actions. On May 18, 2026, a Hornchurch shop was investigated after selling vape liquid to an under-18 during a Trading Standards sting .

The business cannot currently be named due to ongoing investigations, but officers say further action will now be taken and prosecution remains possible.

On June 10, 2026, Havering Council’s Trading Standards will be carrying out further investigations with a Hornchurch business after vape liquid was sold on its premises to a person under 18.

What Makes Illegal Tobacco Products Dangerous?

Illegal tobacco and shisha products are often linked to organised crime and can pose serious health risks as they do not meet UK safety regulations.

The electrical shisha burners seized in Hornchurch were specifically targeted due to product safety and packaging requirements concerns.

These products bypass UK safety standards, meaning consumers may be exposed to unknown chemicals, improper manufacturing processes, and potentially hazardous materials. The lack of proper packaging also means consumers cannot verify the product’s authenticity or safety certifications.

How Will This Development Affect Havering Residents And Local Businesses?

This development directly affects Havering residents in several critical ways. First, the removal of £6,400 worth of illegal goods means residents are less likely to encounter dangerous, unregulated products in their local shops.

The gas safety issue discovered during the raid highlights that businesses selling illegal goods may also have other serious safety violations. Residents who Purchase from such businesses risk not only inferior products but also exposure to unsafe commercial premises.

As Councillor Terry Brown stated, residents can be “our eyes and ears” in identifying businesses selling illicit products. This community involvement is essential for ongoing enforcement success.

Impact On Legitimate Local Businesses

Legitimate businesses in Hornchurch and across Havering benefit from this enforcement action. Illegal tobacco Trade undercuts tax-paying businesses by offering cheaper, unregulated products.

According to National Trading Standards, Operation CeCe protects

“legitimate, tax paying businesses from being undercut”

by removing illegal products from sale [nationaltradingstandards.uk:28]. The £1.8 billion annual loss to the UK economy from illegal tobacco trade represents revenue that should support public services.

Local businesses that comply with UK regulations and pay appropriate taxes face unfair competition from rogue traders selling illegal goods. This enforcement action helps restore fair market conditions.

Impact On Young People And Under-18s

The recent Hornchurch incidents involving vape liquid sales to under-18s highlight another critical impact area .

Joint test purchasing operations across the borough specifically target retailers illegally selling vapes, tobacco, or knives to children.

When businesses sell illegal products, they often also bypass age verification requirements. The May 2026 incident where one shop sold vape liquid to an underage volunteer during visits to six Hornchurch businesses demonstrates this connection.

Economic Impact On The Borough

The £6,400 seizure represents tax revenue lost to the Treasury. With the illegal trade costing the Treasury £2 billion annually nationwide, local enforcement actions contribute to recovering this lost revenue.

Havering Borough serves over 90,000 residents. Each enforcement action protects these residents from dangerous products while supporting the local economy through proper tax collection.

Future Enforcement Expectations

Council officers say further enforcement operations will continue across Havering as part of efforts to target rogue traders and protect local communities. Councillor Brown confirmed:

“Together with the police, our trading standards teams will continue to crack down on those who do this”.

Residents should expect ongoing Joint operations between Trading Standards and Havering Police, potentially involving S92 officers and Operation CeCe-funded sniffer dogs. The council’s stance remains firm:

“We won’t tolerate businesses or anyone selling illegal and dangerous goods in our borough”.

What Should Residents Do Next?

Residents who suspect businesses are selling illicit goods should report their concerns to Havering Council’s Trading Standards team. This community vigilance is essential for ongoing enforcement success.