A convenience store in Dagenham, prolifically supplying illicit tobacco and vapes, has been shut down for three months following sustained enforcement action.
The convenience store, previously operating as Green Lane Store and later renamed Imperial Mist, was closed after repeatedly being caught selling illegal products over an 18‑month period.
Officers carried out 10 seizures and numerous test purchases, uncovering a total of 107,990 illicit cigarettes, 179 packs of 50g hand‑rolling tobacco, and 56 illegal vapes.
Investigations found that the premises used increasingly sophisticated concealment methods, including magnetic hydraulic lifts hidden beneath the shop floor and secret compartments behind makeshift walls.
As part of Operation CeCe, Trading Standards officers attended the premises at 687 Green Lane on 10 separate occasions, finding illegal products every time.
Even on 25 March 2026, while serving a 48-hour Closure Notice, officers seized a further 2,340 cigarettes and seven packs of hand‑rolling tobacco. The shop held minimal legitimate stock, indicating a clear reliance on the sale of illicit goods.
On 27 March 2026, Barkingside Magistrates’ Court granted a full three‑month Closure Order, which will remain in place until 26 June 2026.
Keith Stanger, Director for Enforcement, Regulatory Services and Community Safety, said: “This case shows the scale of harm a single rogue business can cause - draining council resources, undermining responsible retailers and putting our residents at risk.
“This decisive action sends a strong message: we will not tolerate illegal trading in our borough, and we will use every power available to shut down those who persistently break the law.”