An Upminster business has been closed for three months after Havering Council’s Trading Standards team and police found illicit goods on sale in an unannounced dawn raid.
The operation saw officers seize £10k worth of illegal tobacco, cigarettes, Shisha and hand rolling tobacco.
Following weeks of investigation, an unannounced “morning swoop” was carried out at the end of last month (26 August 2026) at the 7 Days Convenience Store on Corbets Tey Road in Upminster, by the council’s Trading Standards and enforcement teams, together with the Metropolitan Police and sniffer dogs.
To block the business from further selling the illegal goods - which pose a big health risk to the public - the council and police attended Barkingside Magistrates Court last week (2 September).
They were successful in securing a closure order of the business for the next three months. This means the business will remain closed until 4pm on 1 December 2026.
Public protection
Councillor Terry Brown, Havering’s cabinet member for planning and public protection, said: “I want to thank our Trading Standards and enforcement officers and the police, as this is another example of great work to crack down on this crime.
“The stash of products seized are not only illegal but posed a huge health risk to our residents and they’ve now been taken off our streets. This again, should serve as a warning to other businesses or individuals who think they can sell these illegal products in our Borough.
“We will find you and take strong action to ensure we help keep our residents and legitimate businesses protected and safe.”
Welcome decision
Inspector Charlie Routley of Havering Safer Neighbourhoods Police, added: “I welcome the decision of Barkingside Magistrates’ Court to grant a three-month Closure Order for these premises. This result is the outcome of effective joint working between Havering Police and Havering Council, following concerns raised by the local community.
“This action forms part of Operation CeCe and our ongoing efforts to target organised criminality operating on Havering’s high streets. The illicit tobacco trade is not a victimless crime. It undermines legitimate businesses, harms public health and generates profits for organised crime groups.
“The information provided by residents was instrumental in achieving this outcome, and I’d encourage anyone with concerns to continue reporting them to us directly or anonymously via Crimestoppers.”
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