A police raid exposed two shops that were selling fake tobacco and suspected stolen iPads and laptops. The Metropolitan Police and Westminster City Council seized thousands of items from two shops on Queensway during the operation.
The council had received intelligence about a general store and a beauty salon that had been flouting licensing laws. Among the items seized were 4,700 cigarettes not in proper packaging and without visual health warnings, 132 single-use vapes above the 2ml limit, and 215 bottles of whisky, rum, and vodka that were secretly being sold without a proper licence.
Police and council officers also took 113 suspected fake Apple phone covers along with a selection of iPads and laptops they believe were stolen.
One man was arrested during the raids for an unrelated offence. The investigation into this is ongoing.
Cllr Aicha Less, cabinet member for public protection and chair of the Queensway Strategic Group, said: “Our job is to protect residents and shoppers who visit Queensway shops to ensure they get what they pay for and aren’t being conned with illegal and often unsafe products.
“This was a successful joint operation which has taken these products off the streets. Unscrupulous traders looking to make easy money are on notice that they may get police and council officers coming through their doors at any time.”
Westminster City Council officers are currently visiting all shops selling vapes across the City to remind them that a ban on disposable vapes comes into force on June 1.
PC Zach Ali, officer for Lancaster Gate Ward, said: “This operation reflects our continued commitment to tackling the sale of counterfeit and illegal goods, protecting the public, and disrupting the criminal activity that often underpins these trades. Businesses selling unsafe or stolen products not only pose risks to the public but also undermine legitimate traders.
“We will continue to work closely with Westminster City Council and other partners to hold offenders accountable and maintain safety and trust in our local communities.”
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