The October 16 raid on Las Fierbinte at 67 East Street with local authority trading standards officers has led to a three-month closure order.
Police were contacted by Barking and Dagenham Council after a complaint from a neighbour about “selling cigarettes to minors and possible illegal working at the premises”.
The shop was searched and 9,000 cigarettes were discovered stashed behind a fridge — with an estimated street value of £4,500.
“This is part of our ongoing operation to disrupt organised crime,” Met Pol Supt Biju Premnath revealed. “We are acting on intelligence and taking firm action to target criminal activity in Barking town centre.”
The cigarettes were seized by Trading Standards officers who are now pursuing prosecution against the shop owner.
The council’s cabinet member for enforcement Syed Ghani warned: “Illicit tobacco poses serious health risks and undermines legitimate businesses. We will continue to work with the police to protect the public.”
A 48-hour closure notice was immediately issued. But the order against Las Fierbinte was extended the next day by Barkingside magistrates to a full three-month closure until January 16.
